Aerial footage shows a sprawling field hospital being built in Samut Sakhon province to cope with the recent rise in Covid-19 cases.

The 600 square metre facility, which can hold up to 1,000 patients, is being constructed in Samut Sakhon where the outbreak began among migrant workers in December.

Soldiers from the neighbouring province of Ratchaburi have been stationed near the site to co-ordinate the efforts.

Drone footage recorded on January 14 shows the ongoing work in the extensive construction site for the hospital.

The land was supposed to be used for building a factory. However, the owner, who is also the district’s mayor, changed his mind.

He offered the land to be used for free as a site for the biggest Covid-19 hospital in the country, as cases continue to rise in the province.

Buddhist devotees whisper their New Year wishes into the ear of a giant rat in Bangkok. The bronze rodent is found at a ‘Ganesh’ shrine in Ratchada. Followers have a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

Footage shows how locals give offerings of brightly-coloured beaded necklaces to the statue before telling it their deepest desires and dreams. It is believed that the animal then conveys the messages to its master, the elephant god Ganesh, also known as Ganesha, who brings good luck and wealth. Many of the followers at the temple were making wishes for the coming year.

”Ganesh is connected with artists and business people, who are trying to create success,” said one the gurus at the temple.

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist but the country has a long history of Hindu beliefs from when it was part of the great Khmer Empire. While in the Vaishnavism sect of Hinduism, the historic Buddha or Gautama Buddha, is considered to be an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Many Thais are entwined with the mixture of the two religions.

A month after cannabis was removed from Thailand’s narcotics list, a hospital restaurant has rolled out a weed-inspired menu which has curious customers flocking to get a taste.

Located in a wellness centre of Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr hospital in Prachinburi, about two hours from Bangkok, the restaurant uses up to five leaves in dishes, some of which were traditionally cooked with cannabis before it became illegal.