With Lumpini Boxing Stadium becoming the super spreader site of the coronavirus in March, Thais panicked as the number of infections jumped to the hundreds. Health officials were criticised for inadequate measures against the pandemic while doctors and nurses faced a shortage of medical supplies. All of this sparked the idea for veteran photographer Anusast Laochoom to show support for frontline health workers through the White Gown Warriors campaign.
Aiming to raise awareness and prevent a second virus outbreak, the campaign is a collective effort between the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Anusast to produce a photography exhibition that details the work of medical professionals, housekeepers, ambulance drivers and security guards in three major hospitals -- Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Srithanya Hospital and Bang Bua Thong 2 Hospital.
"Back in March, Thailand had 200-300 infections and I wanted to use my skills to do something to support the frontline medical personnel. They seemed like heroes who save us in the battle between humans and germs," Anusast said.
"This photography documentary is meant to show people how frontline health workers sacrificed themselves. They had to leave their homes and families for us, so we should repay them by taking care of ourselves to help stop the virus outbreak."
Currently, Anusast works at an advertising agency whose owner has been willing to sponsor him in creating creative projects for society. For the past six years, he has roamed around Bangkok as well as driven to other provinces to capture the way of life as a street photographer.
Taken with a Leica SL2 digital camera, Anusast adopted advertising-style storytelling techniques and street photography to present a dramatic collection of 28 photographs that have been shared on his Facebook page. The idea is to boost awareness of the campaign through the social network where everyone can easily reach and share the content.
Nutritionists have designed a healthy menu for patients. Anusast Laochoom
Anusast started the campaign at Bang Bua Thong 2 Hospital, which was closed for normal treatments and set up as a full Covid-19 patient detention zone. Here, he captured housekeepers using disinfectant and alcohol to sanitise patient rooms from the floor to ceiling as well as frequently-touched surfaces and electric fans after Covid-19 patients recovered and left the hospital.
"A photo of empty beds seems like both a hook and hint for messages we want to convey to the public. Upon viewing it, people can learn about the work of doctors and be inspired to help prevent a second wave of virus infection at the same time," Anusast said.
"Healthcare workers at Bang Bua Thong 2 Hospital had up-close interactions with Covid-19 patients, so their director gave priority to safety. I had to spend a few hours talking to him about my idea. To prevent any risk of getting infected, I had to wear a PPE isolation gown and my camera was covered with special cases when I visited the detention zone."
"I realised that everyone worked really hard. Apart from doctors and nurses, I took photos of medical technicians, security guards and housekeepers to express my gratitude."
Meanwhile, Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute (BIDI) helped several hospitals across the country set up healthcare systems during the Covid-19 pandemic. So, Anusast's work depicts modern technology at this centre, where a group of nurses and medical technicians were able to monitor patients who were housed in the negative pressure room through the CCTV system in real-time.
It's home to the Covid-19 laboratory, which can handle 300 tests a day and it sees more than 900 people come each day and sign up for testing. Nutritionists are in charge of a kitchen to provide the patients with meals.
"Despite strict restrictions, I had a chance to witness how a doctor conducted a nasal swab test on Covid-19 patients prior to sending them home. Wearing and taking off PPE clothing is not easy also. Colleagues are required to help each other to make sure they put PPE sets on properly," Anusast said.
"There's also a portrait of a male nurse with a bruised face. It's a result of wearing a surgical mask all day. It shows one of the many difficulties frontline medical professionals have experienced."
Last but not least, Srithanya Hospital turned itself into a field hospital for patients recovering from Covid-19. Here, Anusast captured doctors and nurses conducting experiments on how to control the situation in case psychiatric patients were infected.
All beds and mattresses are dried in the sun to kill viruses. Anusast Laochoom
To avoid transmission, the staff collected infected debris in red bins before transporting it to private companies for destruction, meanwhile, the laundry department used disinfectant to wash clothes to kill bacteria and viruses.
"Srithanya Hospital has produced some video presentations to educate staff in treating patients and dealing with various unexpected circumstances. This indicates that Thailand has a healthcare system with a high standard," Anusast said.
"I spent two months on this project. I understand more about medical personnel, patients and myself. Everyone has their own duties and everyone should help the country get through this crucial time."
Armed with a Hasselblad camera, Anusast is planning a new project to expose social issues through portraits of people from around the country. Under themes of passion, greed, anger and delusion, it will feature a series of photo exhibitions and books. Back in 2005, Anusast started his career as a production team member at Thailand's leading advertising agency Phenomena before shifting his path to being a professional musician and still photographer.
He mixed his passions for music and arts as well as fundamental principles of Buddhism into his work. For his fresh perspective, he was nominated as a finalist in the 2019 Miami Street Photography Festival and the 2020 Italian Street Photo Festival.
"For me, taking photographs is like practising Dhamma or going on a pilgrimage. I've learned to stay focused and consider my surroundings attentively. My work often plays with light, shadow and colours. It's like I'm painting to express moods but through photos," he said.
The White Gown Warriors collection is on view on facebook.com/tommpheno.
Nurses monitor patients through a CCTV system. Anusast Laochoom
All infected trash was separated in a red bin. Anusast Laochoom
Doctors conduct a nasal swab test. Anusast Laochoom
