COVID-19 Cases Continue in Thailand, Health Authorities Urge People to “Stay Home When Sick, Reduce Close Contact”

BANGKOK — Thailand continues to report COVID-19 cases in line with seasonal trends in respiratory infections, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), which has urged the public to remain aware of the disease while emphasizing that the country’s healthcare system remains prepared to manage the situation.

Health authorities said the main COVID-19 variants currently under surveillance in Thailand remain within the Omicron family, with no evidence at present suggesting that the predominant variants are causing more severe illness.

The DDC is encouraging people who develop symptoms to follow the principle of “Stay Home When Sick, Reduce Close Contact,” while people in high-risk groups are advised to receive COVID-19 vaccination according to current health recommendations to reduce the risk of severe illness and death.

Thailand Reports Nearly 100,000 COVID-19 Cases in 2026

According to Thailand’s Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system, the country recorded 99,691 cumulative COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths between January 1 and August 31, 2026, representing a reported case fatality rate of 0.02%.

Cases have been detected across all age groups.

The highest incidence rate was reported among children aged 0 - 4 years, followed by people aged 30–39 years and 20 - 29 years, respectively.

Health officials also noted that other respiratory infections, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have shown increasing trends, highlighting the importance of broader measures to prevent respiratory infections rather than focusing solely on COVID-19.

Omicron NB.1.8.1 Remains Under Surveillance

Thailand continues to monitor changes in circulating COVID-19 variants.

According to surveillance data, Omicron NB.1.8.1 is currently the main variant under monitoring in the country, with 524 detected cases, accounting for 50.14% of the samples reported in the surveillance data.

The variant has been detected continuously in Thailand since around the middle of 2025.

Health authorities said there is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, with most reported patients experiencing symptoms similar to those of common respiratory infections.

The DDC emphasized that the emergence of a new subvariant or changes in the virus do not automatically mean that COVID-19 has become more severe.

Rather than becoming overly concerned about variant names, the public is encouraged to follow information and recommendations from reliable public health authorities.

Current COVID-19 Symptoms Often Resemble Other Respiratory Infections

Symptoms currently reported among COVID-19 patients are predominantly respiratory and may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches and fatigue.

Because these symptoms can resemble those caused by other common respiratory infections, people who become ill are advised to rest, monitor their symptoms and reduce close contact with others.

Particular care should be taken to avoid close contact with vulnerable people, including older adults, young children, people with underlying health conditions and those with weakened immune systems.

Health authorities noted that very young children, particularly those under one year of age, require additional attention because of their higher reported incidence.

People experiencing symptoms are also advised to avoid crowded places where possible. If leaving home is necessary or they need to be around other people, they should wear a mask and wash their hands frequently.

If symptoms do not improve within one to two days, patients are advised to seek medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

High-Risk “608” Groups Require Additional Protection

Although most current COVID-19 cases are not severe, Thailand’s health authorities emphasized that people classified within the country’s “608” high-risk groups remain more vulnerable to serious illness.

These groups include:

• People aged 60 years and older
• Pregnant women from 12 weeks of pregnancy onward
• People with seven categories of chronic health conditions: chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, obesity, cancer and diabetes

People in these groups are advised to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated environments and follow preventive measures carefully.

They are also encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccination according to current public health recommendations to help reduce the risk of severe disease and death.

DDC Recommends DMH Measures to Reduce Respiratory Infections

The Department of Disease Control continues to recommend the DMH preventive measures, particularly for people at higher risk:

D — Distancing: Maintain appropriate distance from others to reduce exposure to respiratory infections.

M — Mask Wearing: Wear a mask correctly when in public places, particularly when experiencing respiratory symptoms or in crowded environments.

H — Hand Washing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

These measures can help reduce transmission not only of COVID-19 but also of other respiratory infections circulating in the community.

“Stay Home When Sick, Reduce Close Contact”

The DDC said people can continue their daily lives as usual and do not need to panic over changes in COVID-19 variants.

Instead, the department recommends appropriate personal precautions, particularly during periods of changing weather when respiratory infections may spread more easily.

The key message is simple: “Stay Home When Sick, Reduce Close Contact.”

People who develop respiratory symptoms should rest and minimize close contact with others, wear a mask when symptomatic or when entering crowded environments, and maintain good general health.

Anyone who develops serious warning signs  including difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, unusual drowsiness or worsening symptoms  should seek medical attention immediately.

For additional information, people in Thailand can contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

 

 

Source : Thai Health Promotion Foundation