Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri clarified that downloading the “Mor Chana” application, which is a COVID-19 contact-tracing app, is not mandatory.
The Government earlier set measures regarding commuting in and out of one’s own province, especially the five provinces in the “maximum and strict control zones,” namely Rayong, Chon Buri, Trat, Chanthaburi and Samut Sakhon, and other 28 “maximum control zones.”
Referring to these measures, Mr. Anucha said that those who would like to travel across provinces must present a proof or permit obtained from relevant or local authorities, such as village and subdistrict heads, without having to go to provincial administrative offices.
As for other areas, the provincial disease control committee may consider any additional measures as they deem appropriate. In any case, the people in those high-risk provinces are urged to refrain from traveling across provinces and to work from home, instead.
Since downloading the Mor Chana app is not mandatory, the Government Spokesperson stated that a paper-based travel record could be presented or verbal clarification could be made to officials at COVID-19 screening checkpoints.
He also emphasized that intentional concealment of travel information, which may cause spread of COVID-19, would be deemed a wrongful act.
However, he said, the Government would like to urge the public to download the Mor Chana app, so that they would be warned promptly when entering risky areas, and this would also enhance COVID-19 tracing.
The Government Spokesperson also affirmed that the application would not infringe rights of privacy, as the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society would delete the data within a specific timeframe.
Source: PR Thai Government