Rayong's virus-hit businesses plead for govt help
As many as 370 patients can be accommodated in Rayong province now that space for 170 more beds has been made available in two new field hospitals, said Noppadol Tangsongcharoen, chairman of Rayong Chamber of Commerce.
The two new field hospitals include one in Bang Khae district and a resort in Rayong town.
Noppadol said these provisions should be enough to accommodate patients because the number of new Covid-19 infections in the province is dropping.
He added that the government should step up and help because the tourism sector in the province has been hit very badly, with up to 90 per cent of hotels and resorts being affected and retailers losing 50 to 70 per cent of their business.
“The government must allocate funds for provinces to restore their economies, unlock red zones, suspend debt repayment, offer soft loans etc. These remedial measures should be offered as soon as possible, otherwise things will worsen,” he warned.
Klin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the private sector has been helping the government by providing spaces to create field hospitals. Besides, he said, the Chamber of Commerce has donated medical equipment, while the Siam Cement Group has been providing mobile toilets for field hospitals in Samut Sakhon province.
Hence, he said, the authorities must take urgent action to control the new wave of Covid-19 infections in Samut Sakhon province.