Shortage emerges in raw materials for face mask production 

Factories nationwide have a combined capacity of only 1,350,000 pieces a day, said DIT Director General Wichai Pochanakit, adding that face mask producers were told to deliver 
600,000 pieces daily to the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Public Health.
“Of the daily supply to the ministry, 150,000 pieces are distributed to hospitals, 200,000 to the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), and 250,000 to the DIT for deliveries to Thai Pharmacies Association, THAI Airways, Blue Flag shops, outlets of 7-Eleven, Big-C and Tesco Lotus,” he said. 
Producers are allowed to sell the balance of 750,000 pieces, he said. 
Meanwhile, commercial ambassadors overseas have been instructed to help locate sources of raw materials for face mask production. 
The ministry has also asked manufactures to operate round the clock, every day of the week,” he said.
He said Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, would meet with 11 face mask producers, Ministry of Public Health officials, representatives of hospitals affiliated to universities and the Private Hospitals Association today (March 2) on drawing up a distribution strategy. 
“The minister has also arranged 111 caravans to distribute face masks throughout the country, 21 in Bangkok and its metropolitan areas, and 90 in all other provinces,” he said.
“People are allowed buy one pack of four pieces person for Bt10 per pack or Bt2.50 per piece from the caravans. We expect the operation to begin this week”. 
DIT Director General told people not to panic into stocking face masks, in order not to worsen the supply shortage in the market.