Footage shows locals wearing masks in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday May 27 despite falling Covid-19 cases and government plans to scrap the law forcing people to wear face coverings outside.

Ministers announced this week that mandatory mask-wearing outdoors will be limited to people with underlying illnesses, the elderly and pregnant women.

Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the permanent secretary for public health, said the easing of pandemic restrictions will come into effect in mid-June. Health chiefs believe the disease will be endemic in July.

Masks will still be required in public places indoors such as subway stations, hospitals and government offices. Private sector businesses such as shopping malls and banks are also likely to continue enforcing the rule amid widespread support among residents for face masks.

Thailand recorded 4,837 cases of Covid-19 on Friday May 27, taking the total number in the country to 4,434,511 with 29,913 deaths.