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 The Southeast Asian country had managed to contain COVID-19 cases
for much of the pandemic, but a third wave that began in April and
includes more contagious variants has proven harder to control,
putting a strain on medical facilities.
More than a dozen nurses dressed in full personal protective
equipment care for COVID-19 patients at the ICU ward each shift,
along with up to four doctors.
"Each time I wear three layers of plastic protection. It is
extremely hot," said nurse Veena Samutkalin, 45.
Since starting work at the 40-bed ward about a month ago, Veena has
stopped visiting her relatives, worried about the risk of infecting
them.
"I am very concerned about my father, who is now 80 years old," she
said. "I don't want to cause any problems for my family."
Thailand's COVID-19 task force said on Sunday 1,228 patients being
treated for COVID-19 in hospitals nationwide were in critical
condition, with 408 on ventilators.
On Monday, the country reported a daily record of 9,635 new
infections and 25 new deaths, bringing the total number of
fatalities to 614.
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 Thailand has administered 2.2
million COVID-19 vaccine doses to frontline
workers and high-risk groups, and expects a
broader vaccination drive to start in June with
locally manufactured AstraZeneca doses.
Veena hopes her father will be able to get vaccinated soon. In the
meantime, she urges people take precautions.
"I want the public to follow the social distancing rules until this
period is over," she said.
Manadshaya Bunard, 25, another nurse who recently transferred to the
ward, echoed this view.
"I've seen many patients with breathing tubes," said Manadshaya. "So
please get the COVID-19 vaccination to avoid the worst-case
scenario."
(Additional reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Ed Davies;
Editing by Karishma Singh)
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