Influenza cases have surged close to 170,000 with 16 deaths, as the Department of Disease Control warns that the upcoming rainy season could see more severe outbreaks, with young children and students at greatest risk.
On 30 May 2026, Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, disclosed data from the Digital Disease Surveillance System (DDS) of the Epidemiology Division. From 1 January to 28 May 2026, Thailand recorded a cumulative total of 171,731 influenza cases and 16 deaths. Although overall figures are lower than last year, they remain above the five-year average. The most prevalent strain currently detected is the "B strain." Age group analysis shows the highest infection rates in young children and school-age groups, specifically ages 5–9, 0–4, and 10–14 years.
The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control stated that signs of outbreaks are emerging in several areas and predicted that case numbers will multiply during the rainy season, which is the annual peak outbreak period. This is because the influenza virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or contact with secretions like mucus and saliva, especially in crowded indoor places such as schools, educational institutions, workplaces, and public transportation.
Patients typically experience sudden high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Those in high-risk groups—including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses—may develop severe complications such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Dr. Direk Khampan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, emphasized prevention measures to reduce risk and severe illness. He urged the public to follow five hygiene principles: wear masks in crowded places or when symptoms begin; wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based gel; maintain physical distance and avoid close contact with the sick; stay home and isolate if ill with fever, cough, or sore throat to prevent spreading the virus; and receive annual influenza vaccinations, especially among the seven main high-risk groups, to build immunity.