Thailand reports rise in COVID-19 cases, severity remains low

The Disease Control Department has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections over the past month, but the rate of increase is still far below the median level recorded five years ago.

According to the Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system, which tracks 59 communicable diseases in Thailand, a total of 3,642 COVID-19 cases were recorded between the beginning of this year and May 23, with only one fatality. Most cases were among people aged 30-35, followed by those over 60 and those aged 20-29.

Some 50.95% of the cases were of the NB.1.8.1 strain, which is currently the dominant strain in Thailand.

In 2025, however, cluster infections increased between April and June, with most cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 strain, which has since mutated and is capable of evading the immune system and spreading quickly.

There is, however, no evidence of increased severity, according to Director General Dr Monthien Kanasawat.

He disclosed that the department received a report from Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency on May 21, showing that COVID-19 infections there surged from 8,000 to 12,700 cases between May 10 and 16.

Daily hospitalisations now average 73, up from 63, but intensive care cases remain at just one per day, he said.

Deputy Director General Dr Direk Khampaen, meanwhile, said that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease and its severity has dropped significantly, with infections tending to decline.

Nonetheless, he reminded the public of the need to protect themselves from COVID-19 infection by following basic health precautions, including regular hand washing with soap and water or alcohol gel before eating or drinking, or after touching door knobs or staircase rails, avoiding crowded places and, if necessary, wearing face masks at all times.

Avoiding close contact with people suffering from respiratory diseases or those with underlying conditions is also recommended, he said.