Tackling Covid 19 In Thailand

By: Rajiv Saxena, Editor-ICN International
UDONTHANI,THAILAND: “Covid 19 a dreaded word now nobody anywhere expected it reach these proportions and now threatening the very existence of humans on the planet if not handled and tackled seriously and scientifically.In Thailand where I landed in January it had just started and it was not that severe at that time though it had originated and there are a lot of Chinese living doing business and travelling in southeast Asia as a whole.I noticed separate queues were lined up for chinese arrivals and they were being screened along with others in different queues too.It was the precaution and discipline followed by all and that’s why from that stage onwards till today. Thailand as per the data its 70% Covid19 free which is a tremendous control over the situations.Lockdown and curfews are in in place during night hours at the same time people follow the guidelines judiciously.I visited the udonthani provincial.Administrations office where its President Mr. Wichian khaokam and Mrs,Varapon Suthiphaet were busy instructing district heads and equipments for fumigations and spraying the chemicals to control and install them at critical points..Grant’s were used and utilized.
His highness the king has timely announced a stimulus package to support the industry and agriculture along with essential services of 1.9 trillion bath to face it timely.Some of the airlines have shut shop and some are on the verge of going bust.Their economy has definitely taking a big hit but discipline and dedication to meet the challenge and timely release of funds n help has help them save the spread of disease so far.Tourist are in a dilemma as the instructions to various immigration departments are not reaching timely visa have expired and people have no money left to pay for hotels and daily food.Airlines have cancelled the flights n tickets and are not paying the refund in cash credit shields are being offered but that is useless their websites are not responding properly.This is causing tremendous stress and hardships to the travelers who are stranded.Indian travel agents n companies like make my trip, indigo airlines are not upto the mark.Make my trip are asking desk top versions are live , which travelers carry desktop on holidays . There is lock down markets are closed ..so how do they expect the travelers will be able to access that…whilst making booking they do it on mobile or anything where they can receive money..surprisingly they are harassing their passengers..this needs to be taken up immediately by the authorities to help the stranded people.Consulates must write to the immigration authorities in all the places…to extend the visas of the stranded people ..presently one has to travel to Bangkok to receive the letters in person..which is cumbersome and difficult more importantly dangerous to travel and can get exposed to the virus. All the people are not young there are people over 60 years as well. Elderly people if have to travel it’s not the best thing to help for this susceptible age group… They can courier these letters..to them.
Impact Status Of COVID-19, May 3, 2020.
212 Countries and Territories around the world have reported a total of 3,5020,08 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and death toll of 245,064. 
THAILAND:  2,969 Cases & 54 Deaths.
The petrol price in Dubai, UAE is $0.49 / liter.
The stock exchange has slumped 25-30% across major markets.
Schools closed till June 2020 ( extension likely)
Work from home mandated until further notice
Self-distancing measures on the rise.
Tape on the floors at shops to help distance shoppers (2m) from each other.
Non-essential shops and businesses mandated closed.
Fitness studios, Pubs, theatres, restaurants are closed.
The entire sports season canceled.
Concerts, tours, festivals, entertainment events -Weddings, family celebrations, holiday gatherings – canceled.
Churches, Mosques and synagogues are encouraging people to stay indoors.
Graveyards are shut.
Don’t socialize with anyone outside of your home.
Children’s outdoor play parks are closed.
We are to distance from each other.
Shortage of masks, gowns, gloves for our front-line workers.
Shortage of ventilators for the critically ill.
Manufacturers, distilleries and other businesses switch their lines to help make visors, masks, hand sanitizers, and PPE.
All travel banned.
Fines are established for breaking the rules. Police patrolling the streets.
The government throws money at businesses to try to keep the economy from imploding. Grants and loans.
Daily updates on new cases and deaths.
Daily reminders to flatten the curve which is only rising at the moment.
Traffic numbers low on the roads.
People wearing masks and gloves in grocery stores and streets.
Essential key workers are being applauded for their service but are still terrified to go to work.
Medical field workers are afraid to go home to their families.
Let’s stay safe and follow the instructions as issued by the authorities to defeat this enemy which we can’t see.

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