Mr. Banthoon Lamsam, Chairman Emeritus of KASIKORNBANK (KBank) and Chairman of the Kasikornthai Foundation, said that healthcare personnel and workers are the main pillar of response in the fight against COVID-19. They work with their heart and dedication to care for the general public regardless of their race and religion. Aside from being exposed to the virus, many of them have to work in hospitals located in high-risk areas. They are dedicated to delivering essential healthcare services for the sake of their patients’ lives, while also having to take care of themselves and their families. As a tribute to these dedicated health frontliners, the Kasikornthai Foundation has granted support funds of 300 million Baht to 20,000 medical professionals; each of them will receive 4,000 Baht for three months from May to July 2020. The funds can be used as they deem necessary. Given the efficient fund distribution system of the Kasikornthai Foundation, hospital staff members and medical workers can be assured of receiving the assistance.
The “Special Stipend for Front-line Medical Personnel” program is administered by the Kasikornthai Foundation in collaboration with Provincial Public Health Offices in Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Satun, and the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkhla University. These Provincial Public Health Offices have compiled a list of 45 hospitals in the five southernmost provinces, which are already high-risk areas and are now facing widespread viral transmission. As of April 30, there were 5,083 medical professionals and workers stationed at these hospitals who are classified as a high risk group with exposure to the viral infection, under the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement.