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COVID-19 Response in Thailand and Its Implications on Future Preparedness

Author

Listed:
  • Wijitbusaba Marome

    (Research Unit in Urban Futures and Policy and Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University, 99, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand)

  • Rajib Shaw

    (Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan)

Abstract

Thailand has been affected by COVID-19, like other countries in the Asian region at an early stage, and the first case was reported as early as mid-January 2020. Thailand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been guided by the “Integrated Plan for Multilateral Cooperation for Safety and Mitigation of COVID-19”. This paper analyses the health resources in the country and focuses on the response through community-level public health system and legislative measures. The paper draws some lessons on future preparedness, especially with respect to the four priorities of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. At the end, the paper puts some key learning for future preparedness. While Thailand’s response to COVID-19 has been effective in limiting the spread of the disease, it falls short at being able to address the multiple dimensions of the crisis such as the economic and social impacts. The socioeconomic sectors have been hardest hit, with significant impact on tourism sectors. Sociopolitical system also plays an important role in governance and decision-making for pandemic responses. The analysis suggests that one opportunity for enhancing resilience in Thailand is to strive for more multilevel governance that engages with various stakeholders and to support grassroots and community-level networks. The COVID-19 pandemic recovery is a chance to recover better while leaving no one behind. An inclusive long-term recovery plan for the various impacted countries needs to take a holistic approach to address existing gaps and work towards a sustainable society. Furthering the Health Emergency Disaster Risk Management (HEDRM) Framework may support a coordinated response across various linked sectors rather than straining one particular sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Wijitbusaba Marome & Rajib Shaw, 2021. "COVID-19 Response in Thailand and Its Implications on Future Preparedness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-10, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:1089-:d:487315
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jinling Hua & Rajib Shaw, 2020. "Corona Virus (COVID-19) “Infodemic” and Emerging Issues through a Data Lens: The Case of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Ashraf, Badar Nadeem, 2020. "Economic impact of government interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic: International evidence from financial markets," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 27(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Niphattra Haritavorn, 2023. "‘Boat Quarantine’: Lessons Learned from SARS-CoV-2 Prevention and Control Measures in Fishing Communities in Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Seyedeh Gelareh Emami & Valentina Lorenzoni & Giuseppe Turchetti, 2024. "Towards Resilient Healthcare Systems: A Framework for Crisis Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Purim Srisawat & Wuyi Zhang & Kassara Sukpatch & Wachira Wichitphongsa, 2023. "Tourist Behavior and Sustainable Tourism Policy Planning in the COVID-19 Era: Insights from Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Ratchadaporn Papwijitsil & Hathairat Kosiyaporn & Pigunkaew Sinam & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Sataporn Julchoo & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2021. "Factors Related to Health Risk Communication Outcomes among Migrant Workers in Thailand during COVID-19: A Case Study of Three Provinces," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-15, October.
    5. Abdullah Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim & Norzarina Md Yatim & Al Mansor Abu Said, 2024. "The Relationship Between Sociodemographic Attributes and Financial Well-Being of Low-Income Urban Families Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Malaysia," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-20, November.
    6. Katarzyna Grondys & Oliwia Ślusarczyk & Hafezali Iqbal Hussain & Armenia Androniceanu, 2021. "Risk Assessment of the SME Sector Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-19, April.
    7. Sonvanee Uansri & Watinee Kunpeuk & Sataporn Julchoo & Pigunkaew Sinam & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2023. "Perceived Barriers of Accessing Healthcare among Migrant Workers in Thailand during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-11, May.
    8. Chutarat Noosuwan & Christopher Gan & Tullaya Boonsaeng, 2025. "Reaction effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thailand’s household expenditure patterns," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 68(6), pages 2587-2654, June.

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