The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has requested that companies producing face masks expand output in anticipation of an uptick in demand. This is worrisome because it raises the prospect of an outbreak due to a lack of protective face coverings.
The DIT predicts that on January 22, there will be a big number of Chinese visitors in Thailand to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This will lead to a rise in demand for face masks.
This action comes after the CDC said that visitors to Thailand would no longer be required to provide confirmation of immunization against Covid-19. Those coming from China and India must still have Covid insurance with a minimum US$10,000 in coverage for the duration of their stay in Thailand and for seven days after they leave the country.
When asked about recent reports that several private hospitals intend to raise their service fees in response to rising electricity costs, DIT Director-General Wattanasak Sur-iam stated that the agency has instructed facilities that intend to do so to notify the DIT of any impending service fee increases before implementation.
In addition, Wattanasak stated that the DIT plans to compile a price list of medical services to be posted online so that people may make educated judgments based on their financial capabilities.
 has requested that companies producing face masks expand output in anticipation of an uptick in demand. This is worrisome because it raises the prospect of an outbreak due to a lack of protective face coverings.){kind=link}