Thailand is seeing a renewed rise in Covid-19 infections, with health officials reporting an average of about 15,000 new cases a week over the past month.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said 135,667 cases had been recorded nationwide between January 1 and September 15, with 26 deaths. Officials said infections are expected to remain elevated during the rainy season, when respiratory illnesses typically become more common.
The highest incidence rates have been recorded among infants under one year old and people aged 20 to 29. Bangkok, Chon Buri and Phuket have reported some of the highest infection rates in the country.
Health officials said the currently dominant variants include NB.1.8.1 and JN.1, which have generally been associated with mild symptoms. A newer variant being monitored by the World Health Organization, PQ.16.1.1, has also been detected in Thailand, with six reported cases and no indication of severe illness among those patients.
Despite the increase in infections, authorities said there has been no corresponding rise in disease severity. Earlier DDC data showed a case-fatality rate of about 0.02%, with most deaths occurring among people in the higher-risk “608” group, which includes older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
Influenza infections have also increased, with health officials urging people to take precautions against respiratory illnesses. Measures include maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places when appropriate, and seeking medical attention when symptoms become severe.
Authorities continue to monitor Covid-19 trends as Thailand moves through the rainy season and are encouraging higher-risk groups to take particular care.
