Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand

This paper explores how Thailand adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on the collaboration between governmental authorities and the private sector. A specific camp designated for construction workers exemplified this successful management, despite the susceptibil...

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Main Authors: Wanna Sanongdej, Tiraporn Junda, Noppawan Piaseu, Phachongchit Kraithaworn, Suphanna Krongthaeo, Jantra Keawpugdee, Saowaros Kongcheep, Suwatjana Noinam, Sukanya Tantiprasoplap, Wasana Srisuk
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Built Environment
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1510093/full
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author Wanna Sanongdej
Tiraporn Junda
Noppawan Piaseu
Phachongchit Kraithaworn
Suphanna Krongthaeo
Jantra Keawpugdee
Saowaros Kongcheep
Suwatjana Noinam
Sukanya Tantiprasoplap
Wasana Srisuk
author_facet Wanna Sanongdej
Tiraporn Junda
Noppawan Piaseu
Phachongchit Kraithaworn
Suphanna Krongthaeo
Jantra Keawpugdee
Saowaros Kongcheep
Suwatjana Noinam
Sukanya Tantiprasoplap
Wasana Srisuk
author_sort Wanna Sanongdej
collection DOAJ
description This paper explores how Thailand adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on the collaboration between governmental authorities and the private sector. A specific camp designated for construction workers exemplified this successful management, despite the susceptibility of camp personnel from diverse nationalities and cultures to unrest in epidemic circumstances and confined environments. The organization systematically implemented various measures to address the epidemic challenges within the camp. This investigation aimed to understand how workers’ camps could effectively address this crisis and adapt to prevailing circumstances. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with 15 construction workers and a focus group discussion with 5 health professionals (comprising 4 community nurses and a doctor). The data were subjected to content analysis in the Thai language. The findings illuminated four principal dimensions: 1) communication, 2) the establishment of appropriate management protocols, 3) prompt care, equitable engagement, and consistent oversight, and 4) a hygienic environment promoting innovation in construction. These insights will inform future strategies for managing epidemic diseases in establishments or worker camps. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of training programs that empower workers with knowledge about health practices and safety measures, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate potential health threats.
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spelling doaj-art-4bd5bbfaad1542cbb48db7d5174582a02025-08-20T02:16:55ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Built Environment2297-33622025-04-011110.3389/fbuil.2025.15100931510093Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in ThailandWanna Sanongdej0Tiraporn Junda1Noppawan Piaseu2Phachongchit Kraithaworn3Suphanna Krongthaeo4Jantra Keawpugdee5Saowaros Kongcheep6Suwatjana Noinam7Sukanya Tantiprasoplap8Wasana Srisuk9Mahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandRamathibodi School of Nursing, Bangkok, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandMahidol University, Salaya, ThailandThis paper explores how Thailand adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on the collaboration between governmental authorities and the private sector. A specific camp designated for construction workers exemplified this successful management, despite the susceptibility of camp personnel from diverse nationalities and cultures to unrest in epidemic circumstances and confined environments. The organization systematically implemented various measures to address the epidemic challenges within the camp. This investigation aimed to understand how workers’ camps could effectively address this crisis and adapt to prevailing circumstances. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with 15 construction workers and a focus group discussion with 5 health professionals (comprising 4 community nurses and a doctor). The data were subjected to content analysis in the Thai language. The findings illuminated four principal dimensions: 1) communication, 2) the establishment of appropriate management protocols, 3) prompt care, equitable engagement, and consistent oversight, and 4) a hygienic environment promoting innovation in construction. These insights will inform future strategies for managing epidemic diseases in establishments or worker camps. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of training programs that empower workers with knowledge about health practices and safety measures, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate potential health threats.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1510093/fullmanagementresiliencecoronavirus (COVID-19)construction worker campqualitative
spellingShingle Wanna Sanongdej
Tiraporn Junda
Noppawan Piaseu
Phachongchit Kraithaworn
Suphanna Krongthaeo
Jantra Keawpugdee
Saowaros Kongcheep
Suwatjana Noinam
Sukanya Tantiprasoplap
Wasana Srisuk
Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand
Frontiers in Built Environment
management
resilience
coronavirus (COVID-19)
construction worker camp
qualitative
title Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand
title_full Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand
title_fullStr Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand
title_full_unstemmed Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand
title_short Navigating the challenges of COVID-19: a case study of construction worker camps in Thailand
title_sort navigating the challenges of covid 19 a case study of construction worker camps in thailand
topic management
resilience
coronavirus (COVID-19)
construction worker camp
qualitative
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1510093/full
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