Background: The SEA US, HEAR US Study aims to collect data about the social, ethical, and behavioral implications of COVID-19 among Southeast Asian Americans (SEA) in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Purpose: To report findings specifically on Thais/Thai Americans, a group that is grossly understudied due to their small population size in the U.S. (~350,000). Very little is known about the health and well-being of this community and SEA US, HEAR US is one of the first, if not the first, study to specifically collect data on this steadily growing group.

Methods: Partnering with local community- and faith-based organizations, a 30-45 minutes survey was administered to eligible participants (18 years of age or older, self-identify as either Thai or Thai Americans living in the Greater LA area). English and Thai surveys were available online and in paper format. The survey asked about COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and impacts in addition to other health- and mental-health related measures.

Results: Data from 276 Thai Americans (mean age 46.5 years; 66% female) revealed that a majority were foreign-born (86%) and held a bachelor’s degree or higher (61%). About a fourth of the sample had limited English language proficiency (27%). More than half experienced job loss from COVID-19 while facing quarantine challenges. Although a majority reported good mental and emotional health, close to 11% had major depressive or severe major depressive symptoms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8).

Conclusions: In-language materials and culturally responsive care and outreach are critical to serving this growing population.