Many are missing the point. If locals are wearing masks and expats aren't then the locals are asking why the expats not joining in the fight.

Perception is everything!!!

I for one will always wear a mask in any public place like supermarkets.

Its a sign l am in this fight and trying to play my part!!!!

According to my Khmer sources, the anger towards people because of this virus is not with the Barang. Their anger is pointed at the Chinese and Muslim population.

Just saw an Asian dude driving in his car, alone, with a mask on, not taking any chances. (small town NZ)

If I have to put on a mask to avoid being harassed or beaten up by uneducated locals, then I suppose I will, but thankfully, where I am, that is not the case yet. Here, it is mostly hotel workers, taxi drivers, and store employees wearing them, which makes sense, since they are in close contact with hundreds, or even thousands of people every day. Those who are sick should wear one if they must go out in public, but a much better solution would be for those people to simply not leave the house, if at all possible.
The idea of showing “solidarity with the locals” is a happy thought, but I don’t think we should forget that many of these people still believe that evil spirits cause illnesses, and visit faith healers rather than a real doctor when they have serious medical problems. The idea of giving into ignorance to placate people who don’t understand the science bothers me, but at the end of the day it’s their country, and I understand that they aren’t going to have foreigners telling them how to go about their business. I just wish that there was more effort from government to explain the facts, rather than letting what amounts to superstition dictate how we approach this problem. If people were told by the monks that wearing a red Buddha bracelet around their neck would keep the virus out of their throat, then I expect many locals (and probably some foreigners) would be doing that too.
For now I will stick to the WHO guidelines, and not wear my mask unless I become sick, or am forced to through social pressure. My belief is that herd immunity is the only realistic way forward, and that much of the world is probably closer to that stage than we realize at this point in time.

Cooldude wrote: ↑Thu Mar 26, 2020 1:59 pm According to my Khmer sources, the anger towards people because of this virus is not with the Barang. Their anger is pointed at the Chinese and Muslim population.

A woman on the street in Thailand told me yesterday that this is all Iran’s fault. Based on what? I don’t know.
This is the part I find most disappointing about the response to this crisis: That people around the world seem to feel the need to point fingers at one country or another, for what is a natural human problem.
It’s quite interesting to watch the reaction when the shoe is put on the other foot, and suddenly they are the ones being pointed at.

I will add that everyone here in Thailand has been treating me very well, and that they seem extra appreciative to have a customer walk through the door. No hostility whatsoever, so far.
Also, I’ve noticed very few people working in the small restaurants wearing a mask while serving me, and they don’t seem afraid of me either.