InfoQuest, (May 09, 2020) -- Dr. Charas Suwanwela, chairman of the economic and social advisory committee of Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), said after its first meeting that the government is now trying to relax controls, which might lead to the second outbreak, so the entire country must not relax its vigilance. Singapore has offered a cautionary tale--any super spreader would bring the virus out of control and lead to a rapid increase in infections.
The key is to adopt an eclectic policy, which is to ensure people's health without losing sight of the economic development. The measures enacted by the government must be phased in so that the economy, including the business sector and the service sector, can still function, and, if all goes well, more places will be gradually lifted from the lockdown.
On the plan to reopen malls on May 17, Dr. Charas pointed out that it's necessary to formulate clear measures and regulations, and, the top priority is to get people's cooperation in ensuring health, since good cooperation is the premise of reopening malls. In addition, measures must be taken to follow up and monitor the number of infections as of 17 May, so as to assess whether more places can be lifted from the lockdown.
"We must not relax our vigilance now. Though Thailand is recognized as one of best performers in the battle against COVID-19, we have taken absolute blockdown measures to impose a total halt of our economic activities, which should not last too long, so we need to find the right restart time," added Dr. Charas.
According to Dr. Charas, no effective vaccine has been developed yet, but a total of 70 to 80 vaccines are being developed across the globe, which will take a long time; the vaccine is anticipated to be put into production by June 2021 or the end of 2021, which means that the COVID-19 outbreak will still be a huge threat by the end of 2021, so it is necessary to formulate measures to boost the economy during the outbreak and the measures to be taken when the outbreak is over.
"The committee is working on finding solutions to the problems. The big question after the outbreak is over is what measures our country will take and how the so-called 'New Normal' will work. The situation cannot be the same as it was in 2018 and 2019 by then, but the highest priority now is to focus on what measures should be taken in the next year and a half. We are faced with both big problems and minor problems now, and the solutions to some minor problems are immediately available, so our committee believes that there should be workable recommendations for the next 1-3 months, but the guidelines for the next two years must be deliberated," said Dr. Charas.
The economic and social advisory committee will invite all parties concerned to provide information for reference, and will invite Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand group, to provide more information about digitization next Monday.
Source: InfoQuest, by Tanit Tongnok / Tanawat / Rachada, translated by Xinhua Silk Road
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