Contributing to the latest round of weird news out of Myanmar, Mandalay officials have announced that masks will be banned during the upcoming Thingyan holiday.
Mandalay City Development Committee public relations and information committee member Kyaw San Myint confirmed the decision to Kumudra, stressing that no one is allowed to wear plastic masks during the celebratory period. He also stated that Mandalay police would be going to shops and confiscating any masks that are on sale in the coming days and weeks.
So why the bizarre ban this year? As we all know, things can get a bit rowdy during Thingyan, and authorities are concerned that masks will make it easier for people to commit crimes without being identified.
While we ourselves aren’t totally bothered by the ban, it still seems like a quite trivial topic to be discussing at a governmental meeting given the fact that workers nationwide have been holding mass protests regarding the new shortened holiday period. But hey, sure, let’s prioritize plastic masks.
Reader Interactions