Permission needed for exports of face mask
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has stipulated that export of hygienic face masks exceeding 500 units per shipment would need permission from the department, said Wichai Pochanakit, the department’s director-general.
The order became effective on February 6. As of February 11, there were 40 requests for permission to export 18.5 million units of face masks and more requests are expected.
The department has not yet asked mask producers for supply as there is now a centre tasked with distribution to organisations in need.
Manufacturers are expected to send 600,000 masks to the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (200,000), the Ministry of Commerce (200,000), Thai Airways (18,000), Thai Pharmacies Association (25,000) and Blue Flag shops daily across the country.
Wichai said Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit had called for a meeting on solving the shortage of face masks.
Thailand is capable of producing 35 million units of face masks per month but it is prohibited to export them without permission, in order to ensure supply in the local market.