Self-isolation for Covid-19 patients in Thailand

The Covid-19 situation in Thailand continues to require officials to implement emergency measures.  Over the past couple months, the government has come up with multiple methods – like field hospitals and hospitels – to deal with the increasing number of people testing positive for the virus and decreasing number of available beds for Covid-19 patients.

However, as the situation continues to develop, the government has devised a new solution. From today, 29th June 2021, Covid-19 patients with no symptoms are permitted to recover and self-isolate at home.

This comes after multiple announcements that patients must recuperate from the disease in medical facilities. Below, we explore the factors which have led to the government’s new decision, and what this means for all of us.

Recent Covid-19 news in Thailand:

Covid-19 patients with no symptoms in Thailand can recover at home

To free up hospital beds for Covid-19 patients with more severe symptoms, those with less dire symptoms are now permitted to recover at home, as per an announcement by the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand on 29th June 2021.

Those who are looking to isolate at home will require permission from their medical practitioners, says Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Director General of the Department of Medical Services.

Those isolating at home will be required to use a remote tracking and warning system, as well as instantly report essential information through specialised technology, according to Bangkok Post.

Criteria and rules for home-isolation in Thailand

The Department of Medical Services has outlined the criteria for those wishing to recover from Covid-19 at home. In addition to obtaining permission from their doctor, patients must meet the following requirements to participate in home-isolation:

  • Be under 60 years of age
  • Must not be obese
  • Must not have any underlying illnesses
  • Must share a residence with a maximum of one family member

Furthermore, those isolating at home must abide by the following regulations:

  • Must stay in a separate bedroom
  • Must avoid shared spaces
  • Must not receive visitors
  • Must maintain distance from children and elderly persons
  • Must keep personal belongings to themselves
  • Must regularly wash their hands
  • Must wear a mask
  • Must maintain social distancing

Patients showing no symptoms will be given a Thai herbal supplement, Fa Talai Jon, and those who present moderate symptoms will be given favipiravir, an anti-viral.

Those who have been approved for home-isolation will receive ฿1,000 (~USD31) a day from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to compensate for three meals. The patients’ supervising hospital will deliver the stipend to their homes.

Adapting to unprecedented times

Over the past months, the Thai government has had to pivot their strategy of combatting Covid-19 due to the virus’s unpredictable nature. With that, Thais have had to adapt to myriad lifestyle changes.

With the recent rollout of Covid-19 vaccines and freeing up of hospital beds, we are optimistic that the situation will improve.

‘Till then, let’s continue to support our communities by following the Covid-19 preventative measures: washing our hands, maintaining social distancing and wearing our masks.

Cover images adapted from: Charles Krupa/AP Photo via Wisconsin Public Radio

Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.