COVID-19 rapid needs assessment: Construction camps in Bangkok metropolitan area

Bangkok, 19 July 2021 – In light of the recent lockdown of all construction sites and work camps in Bangkok Metropolitan Area (BMA) due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand, Thai and non-Thai populations face a new set of challenges and vulnerabilities.

The stringent movement restrictions and temporary disruption of income-generating activities pose a significant burden on those employed in the construction and property sectors. With limited or no access to technology, limited capacity to cope and adapt, little or no savings, inadequate access to social services, and uncertainty about their legal status and potential to access healthcare services, thousands of individuals in construction camps find themselves facing renewed hardship as a result of both lockdown measures and possible health risks.

To examine how these challenges and vulnerabilities are affecting the communities in construction camps in BMA, International Organization for Migration (IOM) initiated an emergency data collection exercise in December 2020 which was undertaken in Mahachai sub-district, Samut Sakhon province and BMA. The survey focused on, among others, understanding the health concerns of communities in construction camps in BMA and the impact of lockdown measures.

Key Informants (KIs) estimated that 1,953 individuals live in 15 construction camps in Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Myanmar migrants account for 56 per cent of the populations in these camps and males represent the majority of populations (65 per cent). KIs estimate that 73 per cent of the total population has been tested for COVID-19. Among those who have been tested in these camps, 10 per cent have tested positive for COVID-19.

They KIs were asked a series of questions related to personal protective equipment (PPE) needs in their construction camps. KIs estimated that in total, throughout the 15 constructions camps, 1,206 individuals (62 per cent) need face masks, 1,126 (58 per cent) need hand sanitiser or alcohol for sanitiser purposes, and 1,001 (51 per cent) need soap. Only KI representatives from Bang Care and Rama IX construction camps reported having received enough PPE assistance.

Regarding the impacts of lockdown:

• 1,706 individuals, or 92 per cent of the workers in the construction camps assessed, are estimated to be out of work since the lockdown on 28 June 28 2021.
• 1,503 individuals, or 77 per cent of the total population in the construction camps assessed, are estimated to need urgent food assistance. Rice is the most needed item, followed by cooking oil, tinned or dried fish, water and milk.
• 1,075 individuals, or 55 per cent of the total population in the construction camps assessed, are unable to meet their basic needs since the imposition of lockdown measures.
• 1,384 individuals, or 71 per cent of the total population in the construction camps assessed are estimated to need hygiene items. Detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, and feminine hygiene products were flagged as the most needed hygiene items.

When asked about the concerns, 53 per cent of KIs stated that populations in their communities are primarily concerned about economic and financial problems, such as insufficient income, unemployment, debt, or concerns over job security. Other primary concerns raised by KIs include insufficient food or water (flagged by 32 per cent of KIs) and psychological stress (flagged by 11 per cent of KIs).

– Construction+ Online

Source: IOM; reliefweb