Public mask-wearing behaviour and perception towards COVID-19 intervention policies in Thailand

This chapter uses mixed-methods to analyse the relationship between public behaviour in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly mask-wearing behaviour, and public perception of the government’s COVID-19 intervention policies in Thailand. First, based on the structured observation of mask-wearing behaviour (AiMASK) and the survey of public health behaviours to prevent the COVID-19 infection (Anamai Poll), the study uses quantitative analysis to assess the current situation and motivations behind mask-wearing behaviour among Thai people. Moreover, interviews are conducted to validate and contextualise the quantitative results based on the survey. The analysis identifies the factors that shape mask-waring behaviours, including degree of health impact, public awareness and concern, social trustworthiness, age (related to health impact) and activities performed in specific public places. The analysis also finds that self-protection (preventive action), social pressure and social norms reflected by different age groups are the fundamental motivations behind mask-wearing behaviours. Understanding the factors and the incentives behind mask-wearing behaviours helps formulate better policy measures directly relevant to a specific target group, such as age cohort, community and public place. In addition, the government may employ strategies such as indirect communications and community mechanisms to help deliver its policy measures to the public.