Since the lifting of the regulation requiring mask manufacturers to supply their product to only the government, private surgical mask makers are now allowed to retail their products to general consumers, however at a price no higher than US$0.08 each.

The Department of Internal Trade’s Director General Wichai Pochanakit, announced today that the demand and supply balance for surgical masks in Thailand has improved significantly, with daily maximum production yield now raised to 4.5 million pieces from the initial 1.2 million, thanks to the opening of some 30 new factories in addition to only 11 originally. 

Currently, the demand for surgical masks for healthcare workers, patients, and persons at risk is 2.3 million pieces daily, which is well below the quantity from improved production capacity.

With the import of surgical masks at 20 million pieces a month, and cloth masks being more popular, the DIT has determined the 1.2 million excess surgical masks produced daily which goes beyond the needs of hospitals and essential workers, can be retailed for general consumers freely.

Following this decision, surgical masks manufacturers have since 11th August been allowed to gradually reintroduce their products to the market, with a price cap at US$0.08 per piece. 

The DIT expects it will take some time for the availability to be restored in all locations, while encouraging consumers to report overpriced masks to the 1569 hotline. Violators of the pricing limit regulation will face up to a US$16.1 fine, or an imprisonment term.

The public is still encouraged to use fabric masks in order to prevent a surgical mask shortage, while the export of surgical masks abroad is still subject to extra regulations and authorization on a case-by-case basis.