News Forum - Why are Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers so low?

[Thaiger]

Why has Thailand, with a population greater than that of the UK, been largely spared the catastrophic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the nation and much of the world? Social distancing is embedded in Thai culture – Thais rarely touch when greeting, preferring the prayer-like “wai” gesture to a handshake or embrace. Could this custom be at least partly responsible for the country’s low numbers? There have been no overwhelmed hospitals in the country’s public hospital system. No dead bodies in the streets. No social media postings from frantic doctors or nurses. The country simply acted swiftly, and with […]

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[LoongFred]

On 7/17/2020 at 11:32 AM, Thaiger said:

Why has Thailand, with a population greater than that of the UK, been largely spared the catastrophic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the nation and much of the world? Social distancing is embedded in Thai culture – Thais rarely touch when greeting, preferring the prayer-like “wai” gesture to a handshake or embrace. Could this custom be at least partly responsible for the country’s low numbers? There have been no overwhelmed hospitals in the country’s public hospital system. No dead bodies in the streets. No social media postings from frantic doctors or nurses. The country simply acted swiftly, and with […]

The post Why are Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers so low? appeared first on Thaiger News.

Read the full story

Thailand also has an excellent health carer system and a population that generally follows the rules (except driving). Excellent job Thai Healthcare. Much better than USA. 

[Rain]

58 minutes ago, LoongFred said:

Thailand also has an excellent health carer system and a population that generally follows the rules (except driving). Excellent job Thai Healthcare. Much better than USA. 

One could curiously ask why Asia [in general] has had much more consistently success and beneficial results/conclusions throughout the Covid Eras of the last couple of years, in comparisons to much of the European world. 

[Poolie]

17 minutes ago, Rain said:

One could curiously ask why Asia [in general] has had much more consistently success and beneficial results/conclusions throughout the Covid Eras of the last couple of years, in comparisons to much of the European world. 

One would provide an answer too, but this board would explode  with indignation.

[AlexPTY]

... Because they don't let TAT to count it 

[DavidSmith]

The comparison to the UK is interesting due to the similar population size and land area. The difference in infection and deaths is striking.
 

I agree with the points above, good healthcare system. The Uk health service runs at 99% capacity even without a pandemic, leaving no room for unexpected events.  Furthermore, the Thai populace seem far more compliant regulation. For example, Thai’s even wear mask outdoors which is extremely  rare in the UK. 

Speaking of outdoors, the fact that it’s permanently hot means much more activity can take place outside. The UK endures extreme spikes of multiple illnesses in the winter (Including flu/ influenza/ Covid) as life moves indoors. 

There is an Extremely interesting article here which demonstrates the proficiency of covid to expand in high density indoor settings. One of the best articles I have seen, worthy of contemplation. 
 

https://theconversation.com/heres-where-and-how-you-are-most-likely-to-catch-covid-new-study-174473

[LYNX]

It is too early to judge as there needs long term peer reviewed cohorts.

Some Cold place shave done well Finland better than here oters Czechia very poorly

Some very authoritarin and liberal places done well and badly China NZ, done very well versus say Peru and  most of EU above world average.

 

One fact few politicians like to point out is obesity as a factor.Whilst anyone can catch a  virus if exposed few are hospitalized

Even fewer die, but the obese may  have more comorbidities, due to diet and lack of exercise, enahanced by lockdown when I admit Netflix and Pizza have helped endure if not the waistline.

While I occasionally see some overweight Sini Thai and farang in Bangkok most people a\here are dwarves compared to those I see in Samoa Florida ad grazing the Malls in Hawaii  where sharing food was central to a traditional fish based diet.

 

Similarly low education and inability to adhere to hygiene and health advice cannot help.

 

We are witnessing Darwiniansm in action sadly some of those who may survive will pass on to others who die.

 

Like all plagues the frail weak and unprotected  perish it is natures way.I think we owe it tothose at risk to do our best .Good luck keep safe, now where's that Pizza leftover from last night.....