Thailand is experiencing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, with the Department of Disease Control reporting 33,030 infections from 11 to 17 May — more than double the previous week’s figure of around 16,000. Bangkok alone accounted for over 6,000 cases during this period.
Among those infected, 1,918 have been hospitalised, and two deaths were reported in Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi provinces. The highest infection numbers were recorded in Bangkok (6,290), followed by Chon Buri (2,573), Rayong (1,680), Nonthaburi (1,482), and Samut Prakan (1,442). Most cases occurred in people aged 30 to 39.
Dr Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine expressed concern over the Ministry of Public Health’s earlier statement that the situation was not worrying, which seems inconsistent with the rising case numbers. He warned that if the current trend continues, case numbers could double again next week and remain high for months.
In response, Loetluck Leelaruangsaeng, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Medical Service Department (MSD), stated that the city is strengthening disease control measures, especially among children as schools reopen. Hospitals have been instructed to ensure adequate availability of doctors, medicines, vaccines, and beds, particularly for vulnerable groups such as toddlers aged 0-4, elderly people, bedridden patients, and those with chronic illnesses.
The public is advised to wear face masks and use antigen test kits immediately if symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or fatigue appear.
Pawinee Rungtonkit, director of BMA’s Health Department, said Surveillance and Rapid Response Teams will be sent to outbreak sites. Schools must report if more than five students are infected.
Since January 1 to May 14, Thailand has reported a total of 71,067 Covid-19 infections and 19 deaths. The recent surge follows the Songkran holiday period when case numbers steadily increased. Two significant cluster outbreaks have been identified.
Data from the Department of Medical Sciences indicates a growing presence of the Omicron XEC variant in Thailand during January and February. This variant, first identified in Germany in June 2024, is a recombinant strain combining two Omicron subvariants: KS.1.1 (FLiRT) and KP.3.3 (FLuQE). The XEC variant carries multiple mutations that enable faster transmission and has now been detected in at least 15 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Authorities urge the public to remain cautious by monitoring symptoms closely, washing hands frequently, and wearing masks in crowded places to help curb the spread of this fast-moving variant.
