The government advises the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing unusual rashes or bumps. It revealed that nearly 1,000 monkeypox cases have accumulated, mostly men, with Bangkok reporting the highest number. Most patients have a history of risky sexual encounters with unfamiliar partners.
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that data from the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, shows that Thailand has had monkeypox cases since 2022, with about 1,000 cumulative cases to date. The majority are Thai working-age men, approximately 97% male. Cases are concentrated in certain provinces that are major tourist destinations for both Thais and foreigners.
The government has instructed relevant agencies to continuously monitor and implement disease control measures in high-risk areas. It recommends the public take precautions by avoiding close contact with anyone showing unusual rashes or bumps, maintaining hygiene by washing hands frequently, not sharing personal items, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms such as fever, rash, or pustules develop, while avoiding contact with others.
The provinces with the highest number of infections are as follows:
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added that the government has tasked the Department of Disease Control and partner networks with conducting surveillance, screening, and investigations in affected areas, alongside proactive services for high-risk behavior groups. They also provide education on monkeypox, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections, promote safe sexual behaviors, and advise vaccination according to Ministry of Public Health guidelines. The Department has received 2,220 vaccine doses from ASEAN and allocated 2,175 doses for medical personnel across public, private, and civil society sectors, as well as for high-risk sexual behavior groups in four areas: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket (data as of 16 Jan 2026).
The public can follow health updates and advice from the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, to collectively reduce risks and prevent monkeypox spread in Thailand. For further inquiries, contact the Department’s hotline at 1422.