“Challenger Hall covers 100,000 square metres and we are willing to let the [Public Health] Ministry use it for free from May to June,” said Paul Kanjanapas, chief executive officer at Bangkok Land, which oversees the exhibition centre. “If a field hospital is set up here, it will be the largest in Thailand with the capacity of treating up to 5,200 patients.”
He added that Challenger Hall comprises three buildings, which can be used to separate patients with different symptoms. “Patients in green and orange groups who have no or mild symptoms can be treated in buildings 1 and 2, each of which can accommodate 2,000 beds, while patients in the red group with severe symptoms can be treated in building 3, which can accommodate 1,200. It will be equipped with negative pressure rooms and respirators,” he said.
“The buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and our staff has ensured that they are properly ventilated and the waste-water management and CCTV systems are functioning properly. We have also set up an internet connection for the convenience of staff and patients,” Paul added.
“The Public Health Ministry can set up a field hospital here as soon as possible.”