Until the dawn: everyday experiences of people living with COVID-19 during the pandemic in Thailand

Background: This study aims to understand and analyze the complex experiences of people living with COVID-19 to support future cases. Methods: Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to collect data through in-depth interviews; the data were combined with non-aggregated behavioral observations. Lived experiences of 15 individuals were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. We used the thematic analysis technique to analyze the data. Results: Through analysis, themes of stress, economic impact, social stigma, social support, and unexpected benefits were identified. Participants further expressed economic and social concerns during the interviews. Conclusion: The identified themes can help develop multidisciplinary treatment strategies that would be useful during a healthcare crisis, establish comprehensive support systems that could address economic and social problems, and provide training for employees for post-COVID-19 assistance.