The campaign began with checkpoints set up throughout the subdistrict at the southern end of the island on May 9.
Since then the campaign has continued with increasing popularity while being reported by national news outlets following the measure appearing to have been first introduced on Koh Tao.
Visiting the checkpoint at Baan Yanui yesterday were Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos and Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Pananpong.
Local village chief Payao Piengjaem said the campaign was being well received, and proving effective.
“Everyone coming into and leaving the village are being checked. If any person is left not wearing a face mask it can be dangerous to other people. it is not difficult to wear a mask to reduce the transmission of COVID 19,” she said.
Local resident “Ms Gai”, caught not wearing a mask while riding a motorcycle with her boyfriend, agreed with the policy.
“It is a good measure for the safety of myself and others, and I agree that it is a good idea for the officers to provide this kind of punishment so that everyone can be safe and reduce the transmission of COVID,” she said.
Of note, while overseeing the policy enforcement at the Baan Yanui checkpoint yesterday, Ms Chongmas was notified of foreigners sitting and drinking in a restaurant in Moo 6, which she moved to investigate.
Chalong Police were called in, and the search is now on for the four foreign men and the two Thai women who sat with them while drinking.
The restaurant operator was charged for selling alcohol and allowing alcohol to be consumed on the premises.