Chuan appeals to people to wear face mask, as he takes supplies to the South

Chuan said the move was in line with the government's decision to make it compulsory for people in all 77 provinces to wear face masks when leaving their residences, among several other measures effective from May 1.

"I would like to ask people to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of the virus, as the majority of doctors have confirmed that face masks can prevent the spread up to 90 per cent," he said.

He added that he would deliver face masks to people in Pattani, Yala and 11 other provinces in the South.

Meanwhile Jessada said that the number of confirmed cases in Narathiwat on Thursday was 512. Of these, 82 were being treated at hospitals or field hospitals, 429 had recovered and been discharged and one had died.

Narathiwat has implemented measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, such as temporary closure of entertainment venues, restrictions on public gatherings and imposing punishment on people who do not wear face mask in public.