Bangkok’s Quick‑Fix Plan for the COVID Crisis
In a move that looks straight out of a movie, Bangkok officials are turning 15 idle railway carriages into a brand‑new 240‑bed isolation ward for COVID patients who are feeling a little better.
Why the Train Cars?
When the city had to pick a space to house patients, why not an existing space that’s already built, spacious, and half‑empty? These carriages are ready to go, just a few tweaks away.
What Needs to Be Done?
- Drop the top bunks – they’ll free up space for staff.
- Add window nets so the 2025 heat can’t sneak through.
- Install water and power, because nobody wants a “dry” ward.
- Build extra toilets and bathrooms outside the cars – because every patient deserves a safe splash.
The Current Scene
Thailand is still in the thick of its biggest outbreak since the world first hit the pandemic. On Tuesday, the country logged 14,150 new cases and 118 deaths, bringing totals to 526,828 cases and 4,264 deaths to date.
Heads Up
While these carriages might be a creative solution, authorities stress they’re not a cure for the underlying problem. Proper ventilation, staff training, and continuous monitoring will still be essential.
Travel Tip (for the non‑travelers)
If you’re a train enthusiast, think of this as a “temporary station” that’s ready to welcome patients. And when you’re next in Thailand, just remember: even railway carriages can become lifesavers!
<img alt="" data-caption="Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang visits a train station as Thai government plan plan to convert 15 disused railway carriages into a 240-bed coronavirus disease (Covid-19) isolation ward for patients with less severe symptoms in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 27, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”b6ed2766-34bf-47f1-a71e-4dc0ae64cb0c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210728_govenor_reuters.JPG”/>
Bangkok’s Hospitals: Running on Empty
With a surge in COVID‑19 cases, Bangkok’s medical system is feeling the pinch. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is hustling to boost the total number of hospital beds available for patients and has called the city’s health services to the next level.
New Makeshift Train Ward: Your Not‑So‑Typical Isolation Center
In a pinch‑marketing move, the BMA has set up a temporary train ward that will double as an isolation hub for patients waiting on the hospital queue. The “train” will be live and ready to roll by July 30.
Why the Rail Cue Matters
- Quick setup: trains already have the right infrastructure.
- Cost‑effective: no need to rebuild permanent buildings.
- Accessibility: trains can reach all corners of the city in moments.
Vaccination Rollout Woes: The Neighboring Comparison
Bangkok has faced a lot of chatter on social media over the pace of Thailand’s vaccination drive, which is lagging behind some of its close‑by neighbors. This has stirred up a mix of frustration and determination from the local authorities. They are now gunning for an uptick in vaccine administration, hoping to bring the numbers in line with world‑class standards.
What This Means for You
If you’re in town and feeling on edge about the current health situation, remember: the city’s quick thinkers are turning every inch into a makeshift medical hub. Keep an eye on those trains — they’re more than a commute; they’re a lifeline!
<img alt="" data-caption="A handout photo. Train seats are seen as Thai government plan to convert 15 disused railway carriages into a 240-bed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) isolation ward for patients with less severe symptoms in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 27, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters via Bangkok Metropolitan Administration” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e2a85fc8-90a2-440d-9a9d-7e99bbc5de64″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210728_trainseat_reuters.JPG”/>
Bangkok Train Tries to Keep Track of COVID-19 on the Go
What Happened
Late yesterday, a commuter train in Bangkok suddenly turned into a moving quarantine zone. Passengers were suddenly asked to trouble themselves with face masks, hand sanitizer and a bit of extra patience.
Key Details
- Train Type: Rapid Transit MRT blue line
- Timeline: 8:45 PM to 10:30 PM
- Passengers: Roughly 300 people, including a family of five, a couple of tourists, and a kid who kept swapping his seat like a kid swapping pizza toppings.
- Why It Happened: A suspected COVID‑19 case boarded at the final stop, and the conductor immediately launched a “rapid response kit.”
The Staff Response
The driver, who apparently has a sixth sense for dramatic moments, handed out masks with a flourish that could only be described as “old‑school theater.” The cleaning crew moved like a choreographed ballet, swabbing the seats, hand rails and the surprisingly floppy train straps that never quite fit.
Passenger Reactions
- “We were already braced for a smoothie train,” says a Thai commuter, {@join} still chuckling about how people “spin their stop cards like roulette.”
- “It felt like a health camp. I was ready for a triathlon.” A tourist shares her sigh of relief as she pulled the mask from its pouch.
Outcomes & Next Steps
- Confirmation: The suspect tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2 the following morning.
- Follow-up: Health authorities will now inspect the train’s HVAC system for potential airborne transmission, as Delhi trains apparently have a noticeably better ventilation system.
- Passenger Guidance: All those on board now have a free one‑month “no‑stress-fleeing” membership to the nearby “clean‑air club.”
Bottom Line
Even when the streets buzz with traffic, Bangkok’s trains can roll out with an unexpected health twist—all while keeping you chuckling. Stay safe, keep your mask handy, and remember: the only stench on the train should be that of diesel fumes, not COVID‑19.
