InfoQuest (April 13, 2020) -- Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chaired the meeting of Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES Covid-19). Warning a possible lower-than-expected global economic growth rate after an economic situation assessment for 2020, he called for authorities concerned to formulate response plans and specific relief policies for different industries.
He stressed to give top priority to supporting Thai people, advising to adopt and implement effective special measures and plans to offer help to people who really get harmed. Thai Ministry of Finance (MOF) has been tasked with formulating and implementing all measures and explaining them to and get support from the public.
Noting his visits to government departments, institutions and residents during the holiday, Thai Prime Minister said work in every front is well in progress, and he hoped all parties to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what they have done. Meanwhile, authorities concerned have preset the best and worst case, analyzed long-term and short-term mitigation measures, and matters control on which can be eased or enhanced. Take management of hairdressers as example, it's necessary for allied departments to discuss and formulate plans together. Thai Ministry of Interior (MOI) has been tasked with assessing and analyzing epidemic effect mitigation measures. For example, if the worst case happens, how will Thailand respond? Thailand will always put people first, conduct comprehensive, in-depth, broad and detailed assessment and analysis, and encourage cooperation in resolving problems arising. In face of such an emergency, it is inevitable to encounter some problems in work, but it is very important to avoid conflicts. "I know all departments and all persons are very tired. Let's hang in there."
Thai Social Security Office has been tasked with providing assistance to workers registered and figuring out ways, plans and measures to help those unregistered. For example, the authority will help the unregistered register correctly and completely and allocate budget based on the need and necessity of different groups; all departments need to take a long view, be open to constructive advice and adopt a holistic and prudent thinking on allocating budget for the people affected by the Covid-19.
Moreover, departments present have reported their respective progress on the following key matters.
Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) reported the number of diagnosed patients, hospital beds, medical supplies provided to patients and respirators distributed to provinces. At present, there is no shortage of supplies in Thailand. Thai Ministry of Defense (MOD) reported the implementation of strict measures taken at checkpoints and screening points.
MOI reported that it has completed the distribution of all 50 million cloth masks as planned, successfully guided the people to understand and cooperate with anti-epidemic work, achieved results in Local Quarantine policy, adopted strict measures to punish people participating in illegal gatherings, tracked close contacts and closed 50 land ports. Persons are not allowed to enter and exit these land ports and only goods are but need to be in accordance with entry and exit regulations and prescribed limits of goods.
Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reported relevant immigration measures, care for Thais abroad, arrangements for helping Thais abroad back to Thailand, and implementation of State Quarantine to prevent the spread of the epidemic. For cross-border labor in Thailand, MFA has coordinated with the origin countries and communicated with the security authorities to bring this to a resolution.
Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) reported the progress in telecommunications and social media. MDES has developed the Doctor Win application for the isolated. People can download it by themselves and this application has been promoted in many provinces. In addition to Doctor Win, MDES has also developed DDC-Care application.
Thai Ministry of Commerce (MOC) reported that all medical masks and PPE supplies received have been distributed through Thailand Post; MOC has taken necessary measures and Thailand's consumer products have a sufficient inventory and a reasonable price and can be easily gotten; MOC plans to sell hand sanitizers with a price of 39 Thai baht at Blue Flag stores. Now, these hand sanitizers are distributed to nationwide provinces now.
Thai Ministry of Transport (MOT) reported cleaning and disinfection in public transportation system, closing 16 airports (12 airports are still in service) in air transportation, and increasing the number of vehicles and the frequency of operation in the public transportation system to solve congestion.
Thai Prime Minister entrusted the spokesperson of the CRES Covid-19 to convey his thanks to all the people and private organizations that have cooperated with government measures and provided materials that are in badly need.
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