Last Updated: 04/12/2021
Thailand has had relatively few cases of COVID-19, although the number of new infections spiked to 250 on April 6, largely due to clusters in a jail and in Bangkok entertainment venues. Since the pandemic began, the country has reported just under 30,000 infections and 95 coronavirus-related deaths. As of April 6, Thailand had administered enough doses to fully vaccinate about 0.2% of its 68.6 million people, starting with medical workers, government leaders and the elderly. The national economy is faltering due to decreased tourism, and half of the hotels in Thailand are closed indefinitely, leaving many people without income. To help promote tourism, the government has set a priority to vaccinate residents of its most popular resort island ahead of the rest of the country.
About three quarters of the Compassion centers have reopened and are conducting normal program activities while maintaining safety measures. The remainder meet in small groups, and a few conduct home visits where children and their families are visited by staff and tutors at their homes. Staff members have been able to distribute over 145,000 food packs and nearly 79,000 hygiene kits to registered children and their families. Additionally, almost 4,800 people have been provided with medical support during this season.