Health
Department of Disease Control Addresses COVID-19 Situation in Thailand
Thai health officials report a rise in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by the NB.1.8.1 variant, while debunking misinformation regarding disease severity.
On September 1, 2026, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) held a press conference to clarify the current COVID-19 situation in Thailand. Officials, including Dr. Jurai Wongsawat and Dr. Veerawat Manosuthi, addressed public concerns following the spread of misinformation on social media regarding the severity of the virus.
According to the DDC, the country has recorded 99,691 cumulative cases, with a fatality rate of 0.02% and 15 reported deaths. While officials acknowledged an upward trend in infections, they emphasized that the current case numbers remain significantly lower than those observed three years ago. The predominant strain circulating is identified as NB.1.8.1, which typically presents with symptoms similar to the influenza virus, such as the retention of the sense of smell.
For residents and travelers, this update serves as a reminder to rely on official health channels rather than social media rumors. While the current infection rate is higher than last year, health authorities maintain that the situation is being monitored. It remains to be confirmed how the infection rate will evolve as the rainy season progresses. Travelers are advised to monitor local health updates and maintain standard hygiene practices, as the DDC continues to track the spread across the ten most affected provinces.