Social distancing? After party criticism, huge crowds of ELDERLY and VULNERABLE gather to claim govt handouts

 

PIcture: Sanook

 

Thailand was thrown into utter chaos yesterday as the elderly without smart phones swamped banks to get their hands on much needed government benefits.

 

It was the first day of the "Rao Chana" (We'll Win) 7,000 baht stimulus package .

 

But it turned into a social distancing nightmare with fears about the spread of Covid.

 

It came just a day after massive criticism on social media of foreigners and Thais in Pattaya for not wearing masks and being close to each other at a Walking Street event.

 

Yet here were thousands nationwide queuing up for money. 

 

And they were not young people - they were nearly all the old and vulnerable who could have serious consequences if they caught Covid. 

 

Sanook reported from Chainat in central Thailand that the elderly were PRAYING to get their money.

 

Things were desperate at the Krung Thai bank that has been chosen to handle those who couldn't apply via a phone. 

 

There was a one hundred meter queue and then special seating was needed to provide a semblance of order.

 

Nationwide the problem was repeated and the story headed all national news bulletins.

 

A flustered prime minister Prayut Chan-ocha appeared on television asking what was the rush.

 

People have from 15th February to 25th February to register at the banks or mobile centers. 

 

But people are so in need of funds they didn't want to wait a moment longer for the money that will be paid in instalments. 

 

Source: Sanook

 

 

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Pictures: Pattaya Update News

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

A flustered prime minister Prayut Chan-ocha appeared on television asking what was the rush.

Welcome to the real world, where a lot of people are in need of money to put food on their table.

I saw massive queues yesterday outside Krungthai Bank on Soi Nernplubwan, Pattaya.

I was shocked at how many people were gathered in close proximity with no efforts or organisation to distance themselves. The thought ran through my head at the time, that this was way worse than the foreigners recently in the news in town.

34 minutes ago, webfact said:

But it turned into a social distancing nightmare with fears about the spread of Covid.

What a shame the elderly were never taught common sense as youngsters!

29 minutes ago, Thaiwrath said:

Welcome to the real world, where a lot of people are in need of money to put food on their table.

 

Exactly. Leaders worldwide are oblivious to the basic needs of the people, yet they continue to get voted in to power... 

2 hours ago, MaiDong said:

yet they continue to get voted in to power... 

....or by other means!

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A flustered prime minister Prayut Chan-ocha appeared on television asking what was the rush.

What's the rush? - asked the rich General PM

7 hours ago, webfact said:

And they were not young people - they were nearly all the old and vulnerable who could have serious consequences if they caught Covid

Forgive them their sins for they know not what they do.

Amen

7 hours ago, PatOngo said:

What a shame the elderly were never taught common sense as youngsters!

They were never taught anything much other than 'Go and help your Mother in the Market, don't go to School' !

The wife took her father this morning, the nearest Krung Thai bank being 35km away. Turned around and came back home as she reckoned their were at least a thousand people in the queue.

They asked a question: why only one bank?

8 hours ago, PatOngo said:

What a shame the elderly were never taught common sense as youngsters!

Is anyone here?  

Looks like the immigration office. Even has older people standing around for hours.

Some photos from various Rao Chana queues...be nice if people helped these folks to complete the reams of paperwork, and escorted them to the front of the line?