Thailand Warns of Seven Infectious Diseases During Cool Season, Urges Public to Take Health Precautions
Thailand's Department of Disease Control has issued a seasonal health advisory covering seven infectious diseases and additional cold-weather hazards, urging residents and international visitors to take precautions as temperatures begin to change.
Thailand's Department of Disease Control has issued a seasonal health advisory covering seven infectious diseases and additional cold-weather hazards, urging residents and international visitors to take precautions as temperatures begin to change.
Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned the public to remain vigilant against seven infectious diseases during the country's cool season, when changing temperatures and cooler weather may increase certain health risks.
On November 10, 2026, Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, announced the department's 2026 advisory on the prevention of diseases and health hazards associated with Thailand's cool season.
The advisory highlights particular concerns for young children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions, who may face a greater risk of complications.
The department identified seven infectious diseases across three categories, along with additional health hazards related to cold weather and gas-powered water heaters.
Respiratory Infections: Influenza, Pneumonia, RSV, and COVID-19
Four respiratory illnesses are among the primary health concerns during Thailand's cool season: influenza, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and COVID-19.
These illnesses can spread through respiratory droplets, aerosols, or close contact, depending on the pathogen. Cooler weather and increased time spent in enclosed spaces may contribute to transmission.
Common symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, and muscle aches. Some patients may experience breathing difficulties or develop pneumonia.
Young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions should take additional precautions.
The DDC recommends wearing face masks in crowded or high-risk settings, washing hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with people who are unwell.
Vaccination according to medical recommendations is also encouraged. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should rest, monitor their condition, and limit contact with others to reduce transmission.
Acute Diarrhea: Food and Water Safety Remain Essential
Acute diarrhea is another infectious disease highlighted in the advisory.
The illness can result from consuming contaminated food or drinking water, with symptoms including frequent loose or watery stools, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Severe cases may lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, potentially causing dangerous dehydration.
To reduce the risk, the Department of Disease Control encourages the public to follow Thailand's food safety principle of "Cooked, Hot, and Clean."
People should choose freshly cooked meals, drink safe water, wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, and avoid raw or undercooked food.
These precautions are particularly relevant for travelers exploring local food markets, street food destinations, and outdoor attractions.
Malaria and Scrub Typhus: Precautions for Forest and Rural Travel
The advisory also identifies two infectious diseases associated with insects and other vectors: malaria and scrub typhus.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The risk is particularly relevant for people traveling to or staying overnight in forested areas and locations near forests.
Symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, and muscle pain.
Travelers entering risk areas are advised to wear protective clothing, use mosquito repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets where appropriate.
Anyone developing a fever after visiting a malaria-risk area should seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare professionals about their recent travel history.
Scrub typhus is transmitted through bites from infected larval mites, commonly called chiggers. Exposure can occur in forests, grassy areas, dense vegetation, and agricultural environments.
Symptoms may include high fever, headaches, and muscle pain. Some patients develop a characteristic dark scab-like lesion, known as an eschar, at the bite site.
The DDC advises people entering these environments to wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks, and closed shoes, and to use appropriate insect repellent.
Bathing after leaving high-risk areas and seeking medical attention if fever or unusual skin lesions develop are also recommended.
Cold Weather Hazards and Gas Water Heater Safety
Beyond infectious diseases, the Department of Disease Control has warned about health risks associated with cold temperatures, particularly among young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those without adequate warm clothing.
The department recommends dressing appropriately for the weather, eating nutritious food, getting sufficient rest, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold conditions.
It also advises against drinking alcohol to stay warm, as alcohol can increase heat loss and contribute to cold-related health risks.
People taking certain medications, including sedatives and some anticonvulsants, may require additional attention because these medicines can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.
Another important warning concerns gas-powered water heaters installed in poorly ventilated bathrooms.
Inadequate ventilation can allow dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, to accumulate and potentially cause serious poisoning or death.
The DDC recommends checking gas water heaters and ventilation systems before use. Gas-powered heaters should not be operated when ventilation is inadequate or exhaust fans are not functioning.
The department also advises limiting shower duration to no more than 10 minutes and allowing bathrooms to ventilate for at least 15–20 minutes between users.
Anyone experiencing dizziness, nausea, faintness, or breathing difficulties while using a gas-powered water heater should immediately move to fresh air and seek assistance.
Thailand Strengthens Disease Surveillance Nationwide
Dr. Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, said the department has coordinated with its 12 regional disease prevention and control offices and the Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention to closely monitor seasonal disease trends.
Rapid Surveillance and Response Teams (SRRTs) have also been prepared to investigate and respond to potential outbreaks.
The department will continue communicating health risks and preventive recommendations to help reduce illness and deaths during the cool season.
For international travelers visiting Thailand during the November - December holiday period, the advisory serves as a reminder to take basic precautions, particularly when visiting crowded attractions, rural areas, forests, or cooler destinations.
Travelers should maintain good hand hygiene, practice food and water safety, protect themselves against insect bites, and seek medical attention if concerning symptoms develop.
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