The Department of Corrections revealed that a new inmate at Thonburi Central Prison is suspected by doctors to have monkeypox after showing clear blisters and a high fever. They have ordered the urgent isolation of high-risk individuals.
On 14 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the Department of Corrections issued a statement explaining that Thonburi Central Prison reported one inmate showing illness symptoms. The patient was transferred to the Corrections Hospital for treatment. While preparing for surgery, it was found that the patient had clear blisters on the foot and a high fever, raising suspicion consistent with monkeypox symptoms. Tests were conducted to culture the virus, suggesting the inmate may be infected with monkeypox.
Thonburi Central Prison received the inmate on 20 Jan. The inmate later developed a high fever and necrosis on the foot, leading to transfer to the Corrections Hospital. While preparing for foot surgery, the symptoms matched monkeypox (Monkeypox: Mpox). Infection control units isolated high-risk inmates and implemented Bubble and Seal disease control measures at Thonburi Central Prison to quickly contain the outbreak. Measures include quarantining new inmates, taking medical histories, monitoring for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and observing for clear blisters, pus-filled lesions, or scabs depending on disease severity. Currently, no inmates have been confirmed to have monkeypox.
The Department of Corrections, Corrections Hospital, Thonburi Central Prison, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Department of Disease Control have closely coordinated to control and monitor the infection. The Department of Corrections has ordered all prisons and correctional facilities to strictly follow guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of monkeypox (MPox) as prescribed by the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health.
If an inmate is suspected of monkeypox infection, the prison must coordinate with the main hospital or local health authorities and immediately report all confirmed cases to the Department of Corrections.
So far, no additional inmates in any prisons or correctional facilities have been found to be infected with monkeypox.