Stadium debacle leaves bad taste

Stadium debacle leaves bad taste

It's nearly a month since the army-owned Lumpinee boxing stadium emerged as the epicentre of the country's coranavirus epidemic. Yet there are still no apologies from the army or army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong.

More than a few visitors to the stadium on the night of March 6 became virus super spreaders. The cluster infection effectively plunged the country into the Covid-19 crisis.

As of yesterday, accumulated infection cases were put at 1,245 with six deaths. Another 10 new cases were found to be connected to the stadium on the night of March 6. More are bound to be detected.

Another mass infection involved a pub in the Thong Lor area and a group of Muslim people who attended a religious event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The stadium infection contributed to the virus's spread to other provinces and it is evident that some boxing fans defied the stay-at-home order and travelled out of Bangkok.

It's reported that patients are scattered in Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Surat Thani, Surin and Kanchanaburi.

Now the disease has spread to over 50 provinces with no signs of it being curbed in the near future. In a worst-case scenario, infections could surpass 25,000 by April 15.

There are few signs the government will be able to bring the epidemic under control. Last week, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha declared a state of emergency as Bangkok and several other provinces implemented a partial lockdown that dealt a heavy blow to the country's economy with at least three million people made jobless overnight.

The mass infection at Lumpinee stadium came to light on March 13 as actor/singer Matthew Deane Chanthavanij, the MC of the boxing match, broke the news about him falling victim to the virus on his Instagram, implying the possibility the stadium might have been a virus breeding ground.

His revelation shocked the public and state authorities threatened to sue him him if he was not really infected. His claims of having the virus, they said, would cause public panic. But Mr Deane did get Covid-19 and received treatment, as did his wife, actress Lydia Sarunrat.

Since then, more cases have come to light which are connected to the boxing event. Among them is that of Maj Gen Rachit Arunrangsi, chief of the Army's Welfare Department, who oversees Lumpinee stadium. His Covid-19 infection was confirmed on March 15.

A group of big-wigs, including Senator Surasak Kanchanarat and Deputy Communication Minister Thaworn Senniam who defied the government's self-isolation order, made an appearance at the stadium that night and were also tested.

On March 20, health authorities said they had traced 70 stadium cases.

More importantly, they put the number of at-risk in connection with the boxing match at 500, urging them to see doctors and get tested.

It's highly likely that only a few have complied for fear of social stigma, which makes matters worse.

As they waited until the last minute, they might have spread the disease to those around them. This makes it more difficult for health authorities to contain the contagion.

The stadium debacle poses a legitimate question about the severe negligence by the stadium's management which has led to damage to the country's health system.

The management arrogantly chose to ignore a prime ministerial order dated March 3 that asked all parties to avoid organising sporting events as they could exacerbate the spread of Covid-19.

According to local media reports, management claimed the stadium was regarded as "safe and hygienic" for such a big match and postponement was unnecessary.

There were pictures in the media of the stadium's big cleanup and sanitisation which eventually proved useless.

Netizens' frustrations over the boxing match have escalated, asking why the army-run stadium was able to get an exemption from the PM's order.

In response to netizens' frustration, Gen Apirat on March 27 moved the chief of army's welfare department to an inactive post, pending a probe.

But the investigation against Maj Gen Rachit is not enough.

At least, the army chief should offer his apologies for such a debacle, caused by his subordinates' negligence.

With the country still making little progress in the fight against the virus, Gen Apirat, who is top of the army's hierarchy, should consider showing more responsibility by tendering his resignation.

This would bring local ethical standards up to international levels.

Editorial

Bangkok Post editorial column

These editorials represent Bangkok Post thoughts about current issues and situations.

Email : anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th

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