A video posted on Twitter shows how seriously shops in Thailand are taking social distancing measures, with scanners ensuring shoppers are wearing a face covering and do not have a high temperature:
Niall Harbison, a media investor from the UK who lives on Koh Samui, filmed the video and shared it on Twitter.
Advert
As you can see, the Tesco Lotus store has had automatic screens installed that detect the faces of shoppers who are about to enter to check they are wearing a mask. Niall says they detect the temperature of the person about to enter, only opening the gates if they're not showing signs of a high temperature.
The video was shared with the caption: "My local shops in Thailand. In two seconds scans my temperature and to see if [I am] wearing [a] mask.
"Doors don't open if not. Three cases in 100+ days here. Removes awkward mask arguments for staff as well."
With many videos surfacing over recent months that show shop workers facing abuse from stubborn anti-maskers, the scanners look like an easy way to avoid confrontation.
Advert
Speaking to LADbible, Niall explained: "The technology is really amazing and the respect and culture helps with ensuring people all follow regulations.
"I follow everything back home (England and Ireland) and can't believe some of the things I see compared to here in Asia."
He added that in his experience, he's seen 'zero resistance' to the mask policies in stores.
Advert
Unlike scenes we're used to seeing in the UK, with some people believing that wearing a mask is an infringement on their 'rights', Niall explained that in South East Asian countries like Thailand it's 'never questioned'.
He said that 'mass adoption' of the mask rule is more culturally accepted, as in this part of the world, it's seen as good practice to protect others if you are sick.
Although not all shops in the country have this technology - many in Bangkok do - there are other similar examples where shop workers carry out manual temperature checks.
Despite countless videos from scientists and doctors to confirm that wearing a mask is effective and also doesn't endanger the wearer in any way, the debate appears to be continuing on social media.
Advert
One person replied to Niall's tweet, saying: "It's all entitlement. Asian nations handle this better because they understand the 'greater good' concept. People in western nations politicised the virus and downplayed it. Absolutely moronic."
Another replied: "I was in Thailand in the first half of February this year and, in hindsight, my fear of contracting Covid-19 in Asia was pretty overblown considering what I faced upon returning to the US."
Featured Image Credit: Niall HarbisonTopics: World News, Coronavirus