Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(3) ISSN 2651-4451 | e-ISSN 2651-446X

IMPACT OF COVID-19 TO EMPLOYMENT IN PROVINCE

Rungrote Faiyuea1, Phrakhru Santipanathon Prongchit2, Pattanapr krn Dontumprai3, Sornchai Tawmit4, Chot Bodeerat5 1,2,3,4,5College of Management and Local Development, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, Phitsanulok Province, . 5Corresponding Author E-Mail; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The epidemic situation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected the world economy and Thailand’s due to many city lockdowns or the cessation of economic activities in the manufacturing, retail, international trade, and transport sectors to control the spread of the coronavirus which has caused a large number of workers to be suddenly unemployed. They have to face the problem of insufficient income for basic sustenance in society. For the labor situation in Phitsanulok province, there are a total of 17,078 unemployed people, representing an unemployment rate of 3.51%, an increase from the first quarter of 2019 (January - March 2020) with an unemployment rate of 0.51% (an increase of 3.00 percent). During the second quarter of 2020, there was an epidemic of coronavirus disease (COVID - 19), and measures were announced to halt certain types of businesses. The result of the epidemic situation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Phitsanulok province has affected the way of life of the people, such as daily lifestyle, education, and income. Some workers have to leave the social security system and lose their income. The guidelines and measures that should be considered for implementation include: 1) governments should publish laws that workers must know; 2) the government policy-making should aim to bridge the digital gap and create digital opportunities for the underprivileged, and 3) relevant agencies should organize local employment projects to help people affected by the COVID-19 situation.

Keywords: Impact, Coronavirus, Employment, Phitsanulok Province

I. INTRODUCTION The epidemic situation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an impact on the economy worldwide including Thailand’s due to city closure or the cessation of economic activities in manufacturing, retail, international trade, and transport sectors (Sastra Sudsawad, 2020) to control the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, many workers have suddenly become unemployed and faced the problem of insufficient income for basic sustenance in society. In addition, as a result of the cessation of economic activities, they have created a shortage of consumer goods and some businesses shut down due to lack of financial liquidity. While several workers did not lose their jobs, but to survive the business, some companies had to adjust the number of working hours of their workers which puts people in difficult conditions. To solve the above situation, the government is trying to issue urgent assistance measures such as income compensation measures to assist normal workers, temporary worker employment, self-employed people that are not covered by the social security system to reduce suffering and to help them to be able to sustain life during this time. However, the aforementioned measures aim to solve problems that arise only in a short period (Sastra Sudsawad, 2020). According to information from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, it identified that 8.4 million workers were at risk of layoffs in 2020, categorized into 3 groups: 1) sector workers; 2) industrial workers affected by trade war since before the COVID-19 epidemic and continued to the present due to the decline in both domestic and international demands; 3) workers in the non-tourism service sectors affected by epidemic control measures (BBC News, 2020). Even though the government measures were announced to support, it was found that the measures were insufficient and did not cover those affected. (Strategic Division and Macroeconomic Planning, 2020; SatraSudsawas, 2020). From what was mentioned above, they are the origins of the academic article entitled “Labor in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Government Measures and Impacts to Use Information received to Formulate Appropriate Labor Policies in the Future”. www.turkjphysiotherrehabil.org 9947

Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(3) ISSN 2651-4451 | e-ISSN 2651-446X

For labor situation in Phitsanulok province in the second quarter of 2020 (April-June 2020), Phitsanulok province has a total population of 857,754 people, comprising 420,114 males (48.98%) and 437,640 females (51.02%) according to the Phitsanulok Provincial Administration Office in June 2020. Moreover, from the survey of working conditions of the population, it can be classified in terms of the population into different groups. According to the National Statistical Office, it was found that there are a population of working age (15 years and over) totaling 739,520 people (86.22 percent of the total population of 857,754 people), of which 486,067 people are in the labor force and 253,453 people are not in the labor force. current workers; they were classified as employed totaling 468,357 people (accounting for 96.36% of the total labor force of 486,067 people) and the number of unemployed 17,078 people (accounting for an unemployment rate of 3.51). Those waiting for the season account for 633 people (0.13 percent) (Phitsanulok Labor Situation Report Q2 2020 (April - June 2020).

In the aspect of unemployment in the second quarter of 2020 (April - June 2020), Phitsanulok province has a total of 17,078 people unemployed, representing an unemployment rate of 3.51%, increasing from the first quarter of 2019 (January - March 2020) with an unemployment rate of 100. 0.51 percent (increased by 3.00 percent). The reason for unemployment was due to the concern during the second quarter of 2020. The situation of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was announced and measures were announced to halt certain types of business. Therefore, the unemployment rate has increased. (Report on the labor situation in Phitsanulok province, Q2 2020 (April – June 2020).

Government Assistance Measures

From such a situation, the government has set up measures to cope with the problem.

This summary table summarizes the government assistance measures.

Government Assistance Measures Beneficiary

Reduce contributions to the Social Security Fund of employers and employees who are insured Employers and under section 33 in the employer's part to 4% from the original 5%, the insured to 1%, and a employee reduction in contributions to the insured under section 39 to a monthly contribution of 211 s baht from originally 432 baht for 3 months from the monthly period March-May 2020 and extending the time to send contributions for March within 15 July 2020, contributions for April within 15 August and contributions for May within 15 September 2020. Increase unemployment compensation due to employment termination to 75% from 50% for 200 days and increase compensation in case of unemployment from resignation is 45% from 30% (base salary not more than 15,000 baht) for 90 days for insured employees who are not working due to force majeure that the employers guarantee or the employers do not allow them to work due to force majeure to receive compensation for lack of income of 50% of wages throughout the period that the insured people are not working, but not more than 180 days if the government agency has ordered the employers to stop doing business temporarily and the employees who are the insured unpaid; they are entitled to receive compensation for lack of income 50% of wages, but not more than 60 days, effective 1 March - 31 August 2020.

Measures to assist labor groups; those who are a temporary workers and self-employed that are Laborers, not in the social security system, including those who send social security money under temporar Section 4, which are affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Finance has issued y compensation measures for income of 5,000 baht per month for 3 months from April-June workers, 2020, targeting 3 million project participants, with a limit of 45 billion baht. Open up for self- registration through the website www. เราไม่ทิ�งกัน.com from 18.00 on 28 March 2020 employe onwards. d people

Employment budget for employment of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting Citizens for 2,700-million-baht, employment period not exceeding 6 months, and monthly wage rate not exceeding 9,000 baht.

Measures to reduce electricity costs at a rate of 3% for all types of electricity users for 3 months or Citizens from April-June 2020 which will use a budget of 5,160 million baht and return the insurance money for electricity use (Electric meter insurance) for type 1 users, namely houses, residences, and small businesses, totaling 22.17 million people, accounting for 32,700 million baht, extending the payment period for electricity not more than 6 months in each billing cycle for electricity users which are specialized in businesses such as hotel business, www.turkjphysiotherrehabil.org 9948

Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(3) ISSN 2651-4451 | e-ISSN 2651-446X

Government Assistance Measures Beneficiary

residential rental business. The interest rate will not be charged during the grace period for electric bills for April - May 2020. Electricity users who wish for assistance, you can contact the local electricity office.

The Thananukroh Office, a state pawnshop under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Citizens Security extends the period of pledge tickets by 90 days to users with a limit of not more than 10,000 baht who have pledged tickets from 3 January to 31 March 2020. The term of the pledge ticket will be extended from 4 months 30 days to 4 months 120 days without interest but a person must register at an office of the Thananukroh Office anywhere from 1 April - 31 May 2020, limited to 1 person per 1 right. Pawnshop services will be at 5,000 baht with 0.25% interest, 10,000 baht with 0.75% interest, 10,000-20,000 baht with 1% interest, and 100,000 baht with 1.25% interest. Pawnshops under the local government have measures to relax or extend the period in paying debts to pledgers who have acquired pledges in February-June 2020, the period of redemption of the pledged assets shall be extended for 1 month from the due date of the statutory period (4 months 30 date). In addition, the interest rate will be reduced for those who pledge their assets. During the period from 1 April to 30 June 2020, the principal is not more than 5,000 baht, the interest rate is 0.125% per month, the principal is more than 5,000 baht, the interest rate is 1% per month.

For tax measures, it is to postpone the deadline for filing and paying personal income tax to Citizens August 2020, exempt personal income tax for compensation for the risks of medical and public health personnel, increase the deduction limit for health insurance premiums, postpone the payment of corporate income tax, impose taxation and fees measures to support debt restructuring and exempt import duties for treating, diagnose, or prevent COVID-19, measures to extend the time for filing tax returns together with tax payment of service establishments that operate under the tariff list Excise Tax B.E. 2560 and measures to extend the tax payment period for oil and oil products industry operators.

Financial measures: Loan scheme for Self-Employed People affected by COVID-19, Expense Small Loan Scheme for those who have fixed income who are affected by COVID-19, Low- entrepren Interest Loan Scheme for the Thananukroh Office to help people at the foundations that are eurs affected both directly and indirectly from the COVID-19 outbreak and the loan program for helping small entrepreneurs affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

Tax benefits to support donations to solve the problem of COVID-19 in the case of natural Any natural persons, donate money or assets to the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime person, Minister's Office to support the mission of preventing, suppressing, and stopping the spread company of COVID-19. Contributions can be deducted for allowances up to the amount donated, but or when combined with donations under Section 47 (7) of the Revenue Code, it must not partnersh exceed 10% of assessable income after deduction of expenses and other deductions. ip, In the case of a juristic company or partnership Donate money or assets to the Office of the juristic Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister's Office to support missions related to person, preventing, suppressing, and stopping the spread of COVID-19, it can be deducted as income an equal to the amount donated, but when combined with public charities or for public benefit entrepren and education or sports, according to Section 65 Tri (3) of the Revenue Code, it shall not eur who exceed 2% of net profit and exemption VAT to VAT registrants. In the case of donating to has supporting the mission of preventing, suppressing, and stopping the spread of the COVID-19 registere infectious disease, all rights come into force for donations via the Revenue Department's d VAT electronic donation system (e-Donation) that have been done from 5 March 2020 to 5 March 2021.

Extra credit to increase temporary liquidity in living for people with regular income by the Citizens Government Savings Bank Support loans totaling 20,000-million-baht, maximum loan amount of 50,000-baht, fixed interest rate of not more than 0.35% per month, loan term not over 3 years, accepting loan applications until 30 Dec. 2020

Emergency loan to increase temporary liquidity in living for people affected by the COVID-19 Citizens pandemic by giving the Government Savings Bank and the Bank for and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to support loans totaling 40,000-million-baht, maximum credit line 10,000-baht, fixed interest not exceeding 0.10% per month, loan term not exceeding 2 years and 6 months, free of principal and interest payments for 6 months.

The Government Savings Bank shall provide support for low-interest funds of 2,000 million baht Citizens www.turkjphysiotherrehabil.org 9949

Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(3) ISSN 2651-4451 | e-ISSN 2651-446X

Government Assistance Measures Beneficiary

by giving the Office of the Treasure to use the funds to loan to the public. The interest rate is not more than 0.125% per month for 2 years.

Source: Thai BPS News (2020) The table reflects the government's public assistance measures that are related to the use of the country's budget may result in massive increases in public debt and continued fiscal deficit. The massive increase in public debt would encroach on government expenditure budgets to stimulate the economy. If the country's economy cannot return to sustainable growth as expected, declining tax revenue collection may lead to chronic fiscal deficit and the increase in public debt so rapidly that it cannot be handled (Minrawong, P., 2008).

In terms of the labor situation, a study of the International Labor Organization estimates document (International Labor Organization, 2020), has specified information about labor as follows:

1. In the informal sector, informal workers earn less than half of the average income of the rest of the country which is an increase of 21% of all informal workers today due to the loss of work or income from work.

2. In terms of the number of unemployed, it was found that the average number of unemployed people in the first quarter of 2020 is about 400,000 people which is an increase of 14.8%, together with the information on unemployment benefits from the Social Security Office in the first quarter of 2020, it showed that the average number of unemployed insured people is 1.6 hundred thousand accounting for an increase of 4.5%, with the unemployment rate of the insured Section 33 is likely to increase.

3. In terms of business field and employment nature, it was found that the most at-risk group and the susceptibility to economic conditions are temporary workers, self-employed people, and SMEs in the tourism business up to 6.5 million people, or 17.3% of the total number of employments, followed by SMEs in the tourism business and those with employment characteristics in the similar category.

The cause of unemployment this time tends to be higher than in the past due to the epidemic situation of the coronavirus (COVID-19), to control the spread of the disease, the city has suddenly been closed. This has disrupted economic activities affecting fragile businesses and households. At the same time, the agricultural sector is experiencing severe drought (Phosri, 2020; Thai Publica, 2020).

The welfare policy of the state has helped alleviate the suffering in Phitsanulok province.

From an interview with Mr. NiratThakurabutr, a Phitsanulok province laborer about the government welfare policies or government assistance measures in the situation of COVID-19, it was found that

1. Reduce contributions to the Social Security Fund of employers and employees for 3 months, resulting in employee satisfaction especially the increase in unemployment compensation because of layoffs to 75% from 50% for 200 days and other measures of social security.

2. Measures to assist labor groups, temporary workers, self-employed people who are not in the social security system, earning 5,000 baht per month for a period of 3 months according to the project , we do not leave each other or Reā ca mị̀ thîngkạn . However, it was still found that there are still some groups that do not have access to the information and the modernization of technology and various registration systems.

3. Employment budget for the employment of people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, the employment period does not exceed 6 months and the monthly wage rate does not exceed 9,000 baht. People are very interested and the project is actually able to help people.

4. In addition, the government has several projects that can alleviate the suffering of the people to a certain extent, including the you -pay-half-I-pay-half project or Khnlakhrụ̀ n g . The Government Savings Bank helps with various interest rates. Also, there are private sectors that come to help the citizens.

Analysis of the results of the study of online resources, academic papers, and interviews can be analyzed as follows:

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Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(3) ISSN 2651-4451 | e-ISSN 2651-446X

1. Some workers lack knowledge of information and communication technology, affecting accessibility. Information inequality leads to the creation of inequalities in society, the disparity in access to information and digital knowledge (SuratneeSrimai, 2020). According to the Thai PBS News (2020) report, it indicates that there are still 20-30% of people in slums who are unable to do online activities or transactions because of poverty. Communication equipment cannot be purchased.

2. The workers with a higher risk of dismissal than other groups are elderly because they have less knowledge about computers than other groups, considered from the past policy of large companies affected by COVID-19 especially many large airlines start asking older employees to voluntarily retire to reduce the cost of operations of the companies (Aiyawarakul, T., 2020). In addition, elderly workers are also classified as fragile groups being unable to access government aid measures due to government requirements requesting the people who wish for assistance to register online.

3. The impact on workers in each group varies depending on the nature of the business and the nature of the profession as some businesses may adapt, such as online trading, online teaching, meetings over the internet. On the other hand, some types of business activities cannot be changed, such as a spa business, a barbershop. Some businesses that are at risk of spreading the virus while working which from the study of the PueyUngphakorn Economic Research Institute (2020), it reflects important information that the groups most affected by the measure are female workers and those with primary education or lower and followed by a bachelor's degree or higher, which can be modified to work online and are those in a group of 26-35 years old and a group of 36-45 years old.

Guidelines and measures that should be considered for implementation 1. The government should publish laws that workers must be aware of, such as the Ministerial Regulation on the benefit of compensation in the event of unemployment due to force majeure caused by the outbreak of communicable diseases, dangers under the Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2563, Article 9, Ministerial Regulation on Receiving Unemployment Benefit due to Affected by Economic Conditions B.E. 2563, International Covenant on Economic Rights Society and Culture (ICESCR) Article 9, Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541, Social Security Act B.E. 2533 which are laws related to the workforce in a variety of channels and take into account the easy-to-understand presentation format and promote knowledge of laws for workers

2. Government policy-making should aim to reduce the digital gap and create digital opportunities for the underprivileged to access technology by expanding the network to cover all areas for access to digital technology and support and promote training to develop workers' skills in using digital technology at work (ThanachatNumnonda, 2020).

3. Relevant agencies such as the Department of Employment, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Science, Research and Innovation, the Government Savings Bank, which organize local employment projects to help people who have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 situation. Employment should be promoted and work guidelines should be established following changing situations as follows:

3.1) Promote and support training on technology skills and information search skills by using computers for workers at no cost which is consistent with Numnonda, T. (2020) stating that for the prevention of the epidemic and maintaining social distance causing the introduction of AI systems used to work more. So, workers need to be skilled in technology.

3.2) Organize learning in an online format so that workers can learn anywhere. The learning content should be diverse and appropriate for their ages, individual interests, and abilities (Office of Knowledge Management and Development (Public Organization), 2017).

3.3) Form of employment, contract, and work processes should be flexible and be able to work anywhere. No need to pay every month. A person may be hired based on each work project or hired daily, or short-term employment or employment based on expertise, in line with Charoenwongsak, K. (2020) stating that to maintain productivity in the organization and keep operating costs low, the organization will use the outsourcing method for the individual level to take action instead. Hire personnel who can work from home and change the status as an external worker and assigned specific tasks clearly, flexibly, and independently to adapt and change quickly.

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Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(3) ISSN 2651-4451 | e-ISSN 2651-446X

II. CONCLUSION The result of the epidemic situation of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Phitsanulok province has affected people's livelihoods, such as in terms of living, education, and income. Some workers have to leave the labor system and have to lose their income due to government measures to reduce the epidemic and increase the distance between people in society. These measures affect the country's economic system. Many businesses have to be closed down and this has caused a lot of unemployment. However, to alleviate such problems, the government has taken measures to assist people in various forms. This results in workers having to adjust to increasing their skills, technology at work or short-term employment, or expertise-based employment. Workers should learn and know the laws related to labor for the benefit of exercising their rights properly. Therefore, guidelines and measures that should be considered for implementation are: 1) the government should publish laws that workers must know; 2) government policy-making should aim to bridge the digital gap and create digital opportunities for the underprivileged, and 3.) relevant agencies should organize local employment projects to help people affected by the COVID-19 situation.

REFERENCES 1. Aiyawarakul, T. (2020). The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Elderly. Retrieved on 11 February 2021, from https://www.posttoday.com/finance-stock/columnist/624998. 2. Charoenwongsak, K. (2020). Work Pattern after Post COVID-19 Era. Retrieved 12 February 2021, from http://drdancando.com/work- pattern after- post-covid-19-era/ 3. International Labor Organization. (2020). COVID-19 crisis and the informal economy Immediate responses and policy challenges. ILO brief. May, 1-8. 4. Labor Situation Report in Phitsanulok, Quarter 2, 2020 (April – June 2020) 5. Minrawong, P. (2008). Macroeconomic Variables and Fiscal Sustainability of Thailand. Journal of Research, 1(2), 58-63. 6. Numnonda, T. (2020). Reducing the "Digital" Gap, Reducing Social Inequality. Retrieved on 11 February 2021, from https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/blog/detail/649249. 7. Sudsawad, S. (2020). Government Measures and the Economic Impact of COVID-19. 19. Retrieved on 8 February 2021, from https://www.posttoday.com/finance- stock/columnist/618806. 8. Thakoonbutr, N. (2021). The Welfare Policy of the State Helps Alleviate the Suffering in Phitsanulok Province. Interviewed on 15 February 2021

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