NB.1.8.1 Variant Causing a COVID-19 Surge in Thailand with 16,607 Infections and 6 Deaths in the Last Week
Medical News: Thailand Sees a Sudden Rise in COVID-19 Cases
Thailand is facing a concerning new wave of COVID-19 infections, with health authorities confirming that a total of 16,607 new cases were reported between May 4 and May 10, 2025. This marks a noticeable increase from the previous week’s tally of 14,680 cases. Even more troubling is the fact that six people have died from COVID-19 during this recent one-week period — double the number of fatalities recorded the week before.
NB.1.8.1 Variant Causing a COVID-19 Surge in Thailand with 16,607 Infections and 6 Deaths in the Last Week
(Please note that Thailand
Medical News does not believe in any official figures released as many of these entities lack credibility. Figures are likely to be much higher that whatever is reported.)
Most of these new infections are being linked to the NB.1.8.1 subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which appears to be more contagious than earlier strains.
While local health officials and certain Thai “experts” claim that this subvariant generally causes milder symptoms, many private hospitals across Thailand are now reporting a rising number of patients needing hospitalization and even intensive care. This
Medical News report takes a closer look at the growing concern, the nature of this new variant, and why continued caution is essential.
NB.1.8.1 Subvariant Behind the Latest Surge
NB.1.8.1 is a newly emerged offshoot of the Omicron family of COVID-19 variants. It has sparked outbreaks in other parts of the world and is now spreading rapidly across Thailand. What sets NB.1.8.1 apart is its ability to transmit more easily from person to person, even though in most cases it appears to cause less severe illness. However, experts warn that mild symptoms at the individual level can still translate into serious public health consequences when large numbers of people get infected. Also, the issue of the long-term effects of these viruses and Long COVID has not been addressed by many of these ignorant health officials claiming that the current variant is mild.
The most recent COVID-19 figures come from the Department of Disease Control (DDC), which reported not just the jump in new cases but also highlighted a concerning shift in hospitalizations.
In many private hospitals around the country, the number of patients requiring ICU care for COVID-19 complications is on the rise. This suggests that while most cases may be mild, a significant portion can still lead to severe illness — especially among the elderly or those with existing health issues. Those in the vulnerable groups including the immunocompromised such as those with HIV or cancers are at a high risk for disease severity
Mild Symptoms Do Not Mean No Risk
Although many ignorant public health statements emphasize the milder nature of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, healthcare professionals are u
rging the public not to become complacent. The virus continues to mutate, and each new variant can behave differently. Some experts explain that the immune system’s memory — shaped by previous infections or vaccinations — may not always provide adequate protection against these newer strains. This is due to a phenomenon called "immune imprinting," where the body’s immune response becomes fixed on older versions of the virus and struggles to adapt to new mutations.
This has also led to a noticeable decline in demand for newer COVID-19 vaccines, particularly since the vaccines currently available were designed to target earlier strains of the virus. As a result, many hospitals have reduced their vaccine procurement, focusing instead on treating cases symptomatically, much like how other respiratory illnesses such as influenza are handled.
It should also be noted that in Taiwan and Hong Kong, there seems to be more medical and health complications in those infected with the new variants after so called “recovery”.
No Quarantine but Still a Need for Caution
Currently, there are no mandatory quarantine periods for those who test positive for COVID-19 in Thailand. Infected individuals are generally advised to rest and manage their symptoms with over-the-counter medication unless their condition worsens. But this policy has drawn criticism from some health professionals who believe that more structured isolation could help prevent the spread of the highly contagious NB.1.8.1 variant, especially in crowded urban settings.
Furthermore, with COVID-19 symptoms now blending in with those of the common cold, many infected individuals may unknowingly spread the virus to vulnerable populations — including children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses — who are at higher risk of complications.
The Bigger Picture and What to Expect
The rise in cases highlights an important truth: the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Although it no longer dominates headlines the way it once did, the virus continues to evolve and present new challenges. Public health experts are calling for continued vigilance, especially as international travel and local events increase interactions among large groups of people. Basic safety measures such as wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact when feeling unwell are still highly recommended.
Thai health officials warn the COVID-19 cases could further increase now that summer school break is over and children have returned to schools coupled with the start of the rainy season.
https://ddc.moph.go.th/brc/news.php?news=52560&deptcode=brc&news_views=47604
The healthcare system is also being closely monitored, especially as hospitals report higher ICU admissions. Continued tracking of variant behavior, viral mutations, and vaccine responses will be crucial to Thailand’s ability to manage further outbreaks.
A Warning Not to Let Our Guard Down
While many are tempted to dismiss COVID-19 as a past threat, the sudden spike in infections caused by the NB.1.8.1 variant serves as a sharp reminder that the virus is still very much a part of our lives. Even if the symptoms are milder for most people, the disease can still lead to severe outcomes in others — including death. With new variants likely to emerge in the coming months, it is more important than ever for the public to stay informed, follow health guidelines, and protect those most at risk.
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/persistent-low-grade-hyperthermia-not-fever-emerging-as-one-of-the-symptoms-of-sars-cov-2-nb-1-8-1-infection
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/australian-researcher-warns-that-sars-cov-2-new-nb-1-8-1-variant-is-exhibiting-high-growth-potential
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