Thailand Medical Officials Release Data About COVID-19 Infections but Stop Short of Commenting if COVID-19 Cases Are Rising Again
Thailand Medical: Many Private Hospitals Across Thailand However Say That They Are Seeing a Slight Rise in COVID-19 Infections
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has released new surveillance figures showing that COVID-19 infections are once again climbing across the country, though public health officials stopped short of confirming whether Thailand is entering another significant wave of infections. The latest COVID-19 data for the year, presented by Dr. Montien Kanasawasdi, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, revealed that Thailand has recorded 3,642 COVID-19 cases and one death as of May 23, 2026.
According to the DDC, the largest number of infections was detected among individuals aged 30 to 35 years, followed by people aged over 60 and those between 20 and 29 years old. Although authorities acknowledged that reported cases have risen during recent weeks but did not comment much on it.
Thailand Medical officials emphasized that current infection levels remain below the country’s five-year median.
NB.1.8.1 Variant Now Dominating in Thailand
New genomic surveillance findings from the National Institute of Health Research under the Department of Medical Sciences showed that the NB.1.8.1 variant has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain circulating in Thailand. Data collected between January 1, 2025 and April 23, 2026 found that NB.1.8.1 accounted for 50.95 percent of tested samples. The JN.1 variant represented 24.97 percent while the XEC variant accounted for 9.14 percent.
Health authorities explained that NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the JN.1 lineage and carries several spike protein mutations that may allow easier transmission and improved immune evasion. However, officials stressed that there is still no scientific evidence proving the variant causes more severe disease or increased mortality.
Dr. Montien noted that Thailand experienced a major increase in COVID-19 clusters during April to June 2025, coinciding with the spread of NB.1.8.1. Despite official reassurances, many private hospitals across Thailand are reportedly observing a noticeable rise in patients seeking treatment for COVID-19 infections. This Medical News report highlights growing concerns among healthcare providers who fear infections could continue increasing during the rainy season and upcoming public gatherings.
Authorities Continue to Stress Preventive Measures
Dr. Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the DDC, stated that COVID-19 is now considered an endemic or seasonal disease in Thailand. Nevertheless, he warned that preventive measures remain essential, particularly for elderly individuals and people with underlying health conditions classified within the “608” high-risk group.
The DDC advised the public to frequently wash hands, use alcohol-based sanitizers, wear face masks in crowded settings, and avoid close contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms. Officials also urged anyone experiencing fever, cough, or runny nose to perform ATK testing immediately and seek medical care if positive to re
duce transmission risks within households and communities.
While authorities insist there are currently no severe outbreaks or signs that NB.1.8.1 causes more dangerous illness, the steady increase in reported cases alongside rising hospital visits indicates that COVID-19 continues to remain an active public health concern requiring ongoing surveillance and caution among the Thai population.
Reference:
https://ddc.moph.go.th/brc/news.php?news=56906&deptcode=brc&news_views=1161
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/singapore-is-witnessing-a-rise-in-covid-19-infections-with-12700-cases-reported-between-the-10th-to-16th-of-may-2026
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
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