News Forum - To wear or not to wear a face mask (in Thailand) – that is the question – OPINION

[Highlandman]

2 minutes ago, Rookiescot said:

You need to look up the meaning of virtue signaling. You use it in almost every post but it does not mean what you think it means. 

If the local population is wearing masks then its a matter of common decency to do the same. When in Rome.....

However there will always be a small number of foreigners here who feel their entitlement gives them the right to do what they want.

Tell me something. Do you wear a seatbelt? 

You're complaing about virtue signaling yet you're doing it again. Unlike you, I know what it means.

[Rookiescot]

1 minute ago, Highlandman said:

You're complaing about virtue signaling yet you're doing it again. Unlike you, I know what it means.

Do you wear a seatbelt?

[Rookiescot]

2 minutes ago, Scarface said:

Oh dear.

Special, or have a mind of their own?

Mind of their own or conspiracy theory nutcase?

[Scarface]

Just now, Rookiescot said:

Mind of their own or conspiracy theory nutcase?

Nope, just a mind of their own. Tell you what, you carry on doing exactly what you are told, and let other adults make their own minds up. Deal?

[Highlandman]

19 hours ago, Pinetree said:

Both. You are doing yourself, and the rest of us, no favours by ignoring the the local  trend. If the local Thais are wearing them, so should you,  or you just come across as yet  one more arrogant farang A hole. 

Only in your arrogant mind is this the case. Firstly, masks are NO longer compulsory. This was reaffirmed yesterday. Thais don't care whether farang or other foreigners are wearing masks or not. They know it's uncomfortable for us. Also, we're not Thai and aren't part of the Thai social circle. No matter how hard you try, as a farang, it's very difficult to become part of that.

I had many lovely interactions the other day with Thais, me being unmasked and many of the Thais I bought things from, also unmasked. Even the masked ones didn't care I wasn't wearing one. In any case, it's NO LONGER compulsory.

Now, at the beginning when Covid was new and presented as a threat of plague like proportions, it might have been different. Also, during the middle of last year during the second wave, similarly. During both periods, mask wearing was mandatory and quite strictly enforced in many areas, for a little while at least.

Since late 2021/early 2022, as things have improved, even Thais are starting to question what's going on with this seemingly permanent mask wearing thing, especially when in other countries, masks are no longer worn much (including neighboring countries).

Many Thais are no longer afraid of Covid, but simply afraid of being judged or told off by someone who is still scared (usually middle aged or older yellow shirt Thais). I know this from talking to the people in their language (which most farang resident in Thailand, not knowing any Thai, are unable to do) and many friends have told me similar stories.

For instance, down in Samui, many locals have stopped wearing masks, but some service providers still wear them only because middle class Thais are still scared and thus they do so, for them only.

[Scarface]

4 minutes ago, Highlandman said:

 

Many Thais are no longer afraid of Covid, but simply afraid of being judged or told off by someone who is still scared (usually middle aged or older yellow shirt Thais).

Absolutely on the money!

[Highlandman]

6 minutes ago, Rookiescot said:

Do you wear a seatbelt?

Yawn. You're comparing seat belts to masks. That has been debunked thousands of times since 2020. I guess you must be one of those "virtuous" types who wears a mask at home right? Just saw a neighbor emerge from his living room with a mask on to hang out some laundry in the yard so I know these people exist.

Also, a seat belt, unlike a mask, is proven to protect me in the event of an accident. It doesn't infringe on my rights, my ability to breathe, my immunity or anything else, like a mask does.

What's the purpose of your virtue signaling please? The mask mandate is NO LONGER in force, therefore, there is no need to mask up anymore. As an adult I am exercising my right to make an informed decision. I don't live in fear or need some anonymous know it all telling me what to do.

During the lockdown period, I made a conscientious decision to boycott businesses that strictly enforced mask wearing. I got by, by ordering online and getting things delivered instead. I went out daily, mostly to parks, beaches and the countryside, never wearing a mask. The mood in indoor settings at the time certainly felt very unwelcome, with fear and anxiety reaching fever pitch. You could sense it, even without anyone saying anything.

Fortunately, I think we're moving past that now, but people like you are only delaying a return to normalcy.

So, do what you want. Wear your mask everywhere you go and even at home. Wear two masks for good measure. Just don't tell me what to do and all is good.

[Chaimai]

4 minutes ago, Highlandman said:

Only in your arrogant mind is this the case. Firstly, masks are NO longer compulsory. This was reaffirmed yesterday. Thais don't care whether farang or other foreigners are wearing masks or not. They know it's uncomfortable for us. Also, we're not Thai and aren't part of the Thai social circle. No matter how hard you try, as a farang, it's very difficult to become part of that.

I had many lovely interactions the other day with Thais, me being unmasked and many of the Thais I bought things from, also unmasked. Even the masked ones didn't care I wasn't wearing one. In any case, it's NO LONGER compulsory.

Now, at the beginning when Covid was new and presented as a threat of plague like proportions, it might have been different. Also, during the middle of last year during the second wave, similarly. During both periods, mask wearing was mandatory and quite strictly enforced in many areas, for a little while at least.

Since late 2021/early 2022, as things have improved, even Thais are starting to question what's going on with this seemingly permanent mask wearing thing, especially when in other countries, masks are no longer worn much (including neighboring countries).

Many Thais are no longer afraid of Covid, but simply afraid of being judged or told off by someone who is still scared (usually middle aged or older yellow shirt Thais). I know this from talking to the people in their language (which most farang resident in Thailand, not knowing any Thai, are unable to do) and many friends have told me similar stories.

For instance, down in Samui, many locals have stopped wearing masks, but some service providers still wear them only because middle class Thais are still scared and thus they do so, for them only.

 

Obviously, we bow to your superior knowledge of the Thai language but maybe they are more aware, and more fearful, of  BA.4 and BA.5 than you are.

 

Perhaps "recommendations" doesn't translate well in your Thai language but have focused on mask wearing not being compulsory, without ANY reference to the governments recommendation for when masks should be worn.

[Rookiescot]

1 minute ago, Highlandman said:

Yawn. You're comparing seat belts to masks. That has been debunked thousands of times since 2020. I guess you must be one of those "virtuous" types who wears a mask at home right? Just saw a neighbor emerge from his living room with a mask on to hang out some laundry in the yard so I know these people exist.

Also, a seat belt, unlike a mask, is proven to protect me in the event of an accident. It doesn't infringe on my rights, my ability to breathe, my immunity or anything else, like a mask does.

What's the purpose of your virtue signaling please? The mask mandate is NO LONGER in force, therefore, there is no need to mask up anymore. As an adult I am exercising my right to make an informed decision. I don't live in fear or need some anonymous know it all telling me what to do.

During the lockdown period, I made a conscientious decision to boycott businesses that strictly enforced mask wearing. I got by, by ordering online and getting things delivered instead. I went out daily, mostly to parks, beaches and the countryside, never wearing a mask. The mood in indoor settings at the time certainly felt very unwelcome, with fear and anxiety reaching fever pitch. You could sense it, even without anyone saying anything.

Fortunately, I think we're moving past that now, but people like you are only delaying a return to normalcy.

So, do what you want. Wear your mask everywhere you go and even at home. Wear two masks for good measure. Just don't tell me what to do and all is good.

I have no idea how you manage shoehorn so much rubbish into one post.

Seatbelts and mask are a good comparison. Both are used to protect you and that analogy has not been debunked thousands of times at all. Its just a comparison you anti maskers cant argue with so try to ignore it. People tell you to wear a seatbelt and you comply. People tell you to wear a mask and suddenly thats an infringement of your freedom. 

If you decided to stay indoors rather than wear a mask in busy locations then thats up to you. 

[Highlandman]

6 minutes ago, Chaimai said:

Obviously, we bow to your superior knowledge of the Thai language but maybe they are more aware, and more fearful, of  BA.4 and BA.5 than you are.

Perhaps "recommendations" doesn't translate well in your Thai language but have focused on mask wearing not being compulsory, without ANY reference to the governments recommendation for when masks should be worn.

Yes many are more fearful than I am. Correct.

Aware? no.

Brainwashed? Yes. Reactionary? Yes.

Going to freak out for years to come every time there is a new variant announcement? Yes.

No, you're the one who has difficulty with comprehension. Tim's article and the other summary from the CCSA were quite clear to me. It remains voluntary but is strongly recommended in indoor or crowded settings. Pretty much the same as the original language used 2 weeks ago.

There is nothing else to say on the matter. Either someone is mandatory or it's voluntary.

[Rookiescot]

21 minutes ago, Scarface said:

Nope, just a mind of their own. Tell you what, you carry on doing exactly what you are told, and let other adults make their own minds up. Deal?

So the rest of us should accommodate your wishes and accept that you might go around infecting people?

Does your personal freedom outweigh civic duty?

[Highlandman]

1 minute ago, Rookiescot said:

I have no idea how you manage shoehorn so much rubbish into one post.

Seatbelts and mask are a good comparison. Both are used to protect you and that analogy has not been debunked thousands of times at all. Its just a comparison you anti maskers cant argue with so try to ignore it. People tell you to wear a seatbelt and you comply. People tell you to wear a mask and suddenly thats an infringement of your freedom. 

If you decided to stay indoors rather than wear a mask in busy locations then thats up to you. 

No, you still don't get it and you resort to ad hominems to make your point. "Anti-maskers" hmm yeah. What a rude post.

When you can't win an argument you go on the offensive.

Like I said wearing a seat belt makes sense because they are proven to protect you, masks are not. It's all propaganda. Wearing a seat belt isn't uncomfortable. Wearing a mask IS uncomfortable. How can you not understand basic logic like this?

Like I said...wear your mask. Double mask. I don't care. Just leave the rest of us alone.

[Highlandman]

3 minutes ago, Rookiescot said:

So the rest of us should accommodate your wishes and accept that you might go around infecting people?

Does your personal freedom outweigh civic duty?

There is no civic duty. Anyway, why are you arguing when mask wearing has been re-affirmed as being voluntary, with people encouraged to make their own decisions (in the government's own words)?

Do you think you know more than the government? Since you aren't in charge of governing the country, I think I'll go by what's in the Royal Gazette, which states that mask wearing is voluntary BUT recommended (not mandated) for certain groups and settings. Even in those cases, it remains up to the individual.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Highlandman

[Chaimai]

1 minute ago, Rookiescot said:

 

Does your personal freedom outweigh civic duty?

 

 

That would be one of those rhetorical questions.....

 

 

(grammatically speaking, does a rhetorical question require a question mark after it?.....)

[Highlandman]

3 minutes ago, Transam said:

You are full of assumptions, a people watcher, a swivel bar stool.... perhaps....

You keep deflecting and pretending you're something else. Every one of your posts is rude, offensive and attacks others when their views don't comform with your one-sided far left narrative.

You are far too obsessed with what others do. Like I said, smoke some weed and chill out.

[Rookiescot]

4 minutes ago, Highlandman said:

No, you still don't get it and you resort to ad hominems to make your point. "Anti-maskers" hmm yeah. What a rude post.

When you can't win an argument you go on the offensive.

Like I said wearing a seat belt makes sense because they are proven to protect you, masks are not. It's all propaganda. Wearing a seat belt isn't uncomfortable. Wearing a mask IS uncomfortable. How can you not understand basic logic like this?

Like I said...wear your mask. Double mask. I don't care. Just leave the rest of us alone.

Masks are proven to work. Its only people who choose to believe conspiracy theory "experts" who question that.

So wearing a seatbelt makes sense because it protects but wearing a mask because it protects others does not make sense?

[Chaimai]

4 minutes ago, Highlandman said:

There is no civic duty. Anyway, why are you arguing when mask wearing has been re-affirmed as being voluntary, with people encouraged to make their own decisions (in the government's own words)?

Do you think you know more than the government? Since you aren't in charge of governing the country, I think I'll go by what's in the Royal Gazette, which states that mask wearing is voluntary BUT recommended (not mandated) for certain groups and settings. Even in those cases, it remains voluntary.

 

 

Not good with recommendations are you? (rhetorical).

Glued to mandates though.

 

 

That sounds sheep-like to me.

[Highlandman]

8 minutes ago, Transam said:

You have got me weighed up totally wrong, chap, I have no obsession with what farangs do, I am on a forum posting my thoughts.

Plus, I have been in this country long enough to have those thoughts. 

PS. I don't watch Thai news, I'll leave that to you...

Since you claim not to watch the Thai news, you're obviously living in a bubble and have no idea what's going on here.

Murders, assaults, robbery, violence, illegal gambling dens, police corruption, anti-social behavior you name it...these are the things that are constantly on the news every single day and guess what? 99% of the time, they involve ONLY Thai nationals.

And yes, you are obsessed with what farang do. Otherwise you wouldn't be harping on about how virtuous it is to wear a mask and how you feel farang are looked down upon for not doing so. Since you claim not to watch the Thai news, how could you know this anyway? Do you interview locals to seek their opinion on this?

One more thing: the LEAST likely groups of foreigners to wear masks are Indians and Middle Easterners. Almost none of them wear masks outdoors and quite a few don't wear them indoors.

There goes your "only the white folks don't wear masks" narrative brought to you by Anutin and the likes of CNN.

[Highlandman]

Just now, Rookiescot said:

Its a reasonable question. Wearing a mask protects others. So does your personal freedom outweigh your civic duty to protect others if you can?

Again you don't know why people wear masks.

I've mentioned numerous reasons why. The principle one is fear - which is to say, people are told that wearing a mask protects THEM.

It's pretty absurd to make the argument that wearing a mask protects others and then try to force them to wear a mask also. That's like saying "if you don't wear a seat belt, my belt won't work".

Other reasons include not wanting to stand out (Thailand is a very collectivist culture) - most people are quite shy and don't want to stand out from the crowd as being different. It's the same in Japan, which is probably even more collectivist; and fear of being judged or refused entry to premises for not wearing a mask. Thais are non-confrontational in most cases. Hence why they comply rather than get into arguments with others.

Finally, a lot of locals aren't aware that mask wearing is voluntary now. Hence they continue wearing their masks, because most others around them are. Others are confused by where they are still required and where they're voluntary.

[Rookiescot]

3 minutes ago, Highlandman said:

Since you claim not to watch the Thai news, you're obviously living in a bubble and have no idea what's going on here.

Murders, assaults, robbery, violence, illegal gambling dens, police corruption, anti-social behavior you name it...these are the things that are constantly on the news every single day and guess what? 99% of the time, they involve ONLY Thai nationals.

And yes, you are obsessed with what farang do. Otherwise you wouldn't be harping on about how virtuous it is to wear a mask and how you feel farang are looked down upon for not doing so. Since you claim not to watch the Thai news, how could you know this anyway? Do you interview locals to seek their opinion on this?

One more thing: the LEAST likely groups of foreigners to wear masks are Indians and Middle Easterners. Almost none of them wear masks outdoors and quite a few don't wear them indoors.

There goes your "only the white folks don't wear masks" narrative brought to you by Anutin and the likes of CNN.

What a lovely straw man you made.

The point is if the local Thais are still wearing masks then foreigners should do the same. Just because YOU believe you know better than them is no excuse.

[Faraday]

Seems to me that it's getting a bit too heated in here.

Cool down, please. 

Moderator 

[Rookiescot]

3 minutes ago, Highlandman said:

Again you don't know why people wear masks.

I've mentioned numerous reasons why. The principle one is fear - which is to say, people are told that wearing a mask protects THEM.

It's pretty absurd to make the argument that wearing a mask protects others and then try to force them to wear a mask also. That's like saying "if you don't wear a seat belt, my belt won't work".

Other reasons include not wanting to stand out (Thailand is a very collectivist culture) - most people are quite shy and don't want to stand out from the crowd as being different. It's the same in Japan, which is probably even more collectivist; and fear of being judged or refused entry to premises for not wearing a mask. Thais are non-confrontational in most cases. Hence why they comply rather than get into arguments with others.

Finally, a lot of locals aren't aware that mask wearing is voluntary now. Hence they continue wearing their masks, because most others around them are. Others are confused by where they are still required and where they're voluntary.

None of that excuses you not wearing a mask when everyone else is.

[Highlandman]

2 minutes ago, Rookiescot said:

What a lovely straw man you made.

The point is if the local Thais are still wearing masks then foreigners should do the same. Just because YOU believe you know better than them is no excuse.

NO. You are advocating for herd mentality. Who's going to take the first step towards stopping mask wearing? Or do you think Thais (and foreigners) should be wearing their muzzles forever?

Like I said, it's voluntary now.

If it was mandatory, it would be a different story.

If it's voluntary YOU decide what to do. I've decided not to wear one as I don't believe they're safe or effective, especially if worn for long periods of time.

I don't care what others around me do.

[Highlandman]

1 minute ago, Rookiescot said:

None of that excuses you not wearing a mask when everyone else is.

What excuses me from wearing a mask is the fact it's voluntary.

Do you have comprehension difficulties? Or are you just wanting to start an argument?

[Rookiescot]

Just now, Highlandman said:

NO. You are advocating for herd mentality. Who's going to take the first step towards stopping mask wearing? Or do you think Thais (and foreigners) should be wearing their muzzles forever?

Like I said, it's voluntary now.

If it was mandatory, it would be a different story.

If it's voluntary YOU decide what to do. I've decided not to wear one as I don't believe they're safe or effective, especially if worn for long periods of time.

I don't care what others around me do.

I imagine the Thais will take them off when it is recommended they do so.

The issue is that everyone else does not have the luxury of not caring if you dont wear a mask. You run the increased risk of infecting others by not wearing one.