The government warns the public during the New Year period to avoid eating undercooked or raw pork due to the risk of Streptococcus suis infection. Nakhon Ratchasima province has reported a cumulative total of 93 cases with 13 deaths.
On 1 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that during the long holiday season welcoming the New Year, many people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends. The government is concerned about public health and advises people to be cautious about food consumption during this period, especially when preparing food at home or with friends. If pork is butchered within the village or bought fresh and then eaten raw or partially cooked—such as in traditional dishes like larb, luu, or raw pork dishes containing raw pig's blood—or grilled but not fully cooked, there is a risk of contracting Streptococcus suis infection, which can cause permanent deafness or death.
Ms. Airin explained that Streptococcus suis infection (also called raw pork fever) results from consuming raw or undercooked pork, offal, blood, or pork products contaminated with the Streptococcus suis bacteria. It can also be transmitted through contact with pigs via wounds, scratches on the body, or mucous membranes. After infection, symptoms appear within 1 to 14 days and include high fever, severe headache, dizziness causing loss of balance, vomiting, diarrhea, stiff neck, hearing loss, and in severe cases, death.
According to data from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office, Nakhon Ratchasima ranks first in Streptococcus suis infection cases, with 93 cumulative patients and 13 deaths this year. Currently, people consuming raw or partially cooked pork have fallen ill and died from the infection. Other high-risk foods include raw blood larb, raw koi, and raw fermented pork sausage (naem). Food handlers with wounds who come into contact with raw pork or blood contaminated with the bacteria are also at risk of infection.
The government emphasizes that during the year-end and New Year 2026 festival, the disease can be prevented by:
1. Avoid eating raw pork, blood, or offal, or pork that is only partially cooked.
2. Use separate utensils, such as cutting boards and knives, for raw pork and vegetables.
3. Purchase pork from vendors that meet health standards.
4. When eating grilled pork (Moo Kra Ta), use separate chopsticks for handling raw pork and for picking up cooked food.
5. Workers involved with pigs should shower and clean themselves immediately after completing their tasks.