The government stresses that COVID-19 cases continue to rise in August but remain within expected levels. Cumulative cases from 1 January to 28 August total 95,357. The Ministry of Public Health recommends "Rest When Sick, Reduce Close Contact."
On 29 August 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that the government, through the Ministry of Public Health under Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation. The Department of Disease Control reports that the situation in Thailand aligns with seasonal infectious disease forecasts, despite an upward trend in cases last month. She affirmed that the Thai healthcare system is well-prepared with sufficient medicines and medical supplies, urging the public to maintain health and remain calm, especially those in the vulnerable 608 group, who should practice good personal hygiene and monitor symptoms appropriately.
According to data from the Digital Disease Surveillance System (DDS) of the Epidemiology Division, from 1 January to 28 August 2026, there were 95,357 cumulative COVID-19 cases, representing an incidence rate of 144.76 per 100,000 population, and 14 deaths, a mortality rate of 0.02 per 100,000 population, with a case fatality rate of 0.01%. Cases have increased in the past month. Concurrently, other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are also on the rise.
Regarding Omicron variant surveillance in Thailand, based on the GISAID database from the Department of Medical Sciences, cumulative monitoring from 1 January 2025 to 23 July 2026 involving 978 samples found NB.1.8.1* as the main variant with 490 cases (50.10%), followed by JN.1* with 246 cases (25.15%), XEC* with 82 cases (8.38%), XFG* with 76 cases (7.77%), and BA.3.2* group with 8 cases (0.82%).
Latest variant trend data from 19 June to 20 July 2026, covering 48 samples, shows NB.1.8.1* remains the predominant variant with 27 cases (56.25%), followed by JN.1* with 15 cases (31.25%). XFG* and BA.3.2* each accounted for 2 cases (4.17%), and other variants made up 1 case (2.08%).
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office noted that with changing weather and the respiratory disease season, the number of patients may increase, potentially causing cluster outbreaks in schools, workplaces, or communities. People should take care of their health and monitor symptoms. If experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, or fatigue, they should rest and reduce close contact to minimize transmission to family, colleagues, and others around them.
“We ask the public to follow the principle of 'Rest When Sick, Reduce Close Contact.' Those who begin to feel ill should rest adequately, avoid close contact or sharing personal items, wash hands frequently, and keep environments well-ventilated. If it is necessary to be around others or visit a doctor, wearing a mask is advised, especially near elderly people, those with chronic diseases, or immunocompromised individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness.”
Individuals with mild symptoms can self-care and monitor their condition, but if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, decreased consciousness, or reduced food and water intake occur, they should seek medical attention immediately. Elderly people, those with chronic conditions, or immunocompromised individuals should consult a doctor or healthcare facility promptly if symptoms develop to receive appropriate care and guidance.
Ms. Lalida added that the Department of Disease Control urges the public to be cautious about sharing misinformation about COVID-19 on social media. She reaffirmed that surveillance of variants and outbreaks is ongoing and that the situation aligns with forecasts. Therefore, the public should verify information before sharing and follow updates only from official Ministry of Public Health sources.
“The government urges people to take appropriate health precautions, stay calm, and avoid spreading unverified information. Official updates are available from the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Disease Control. For questions about diseases and health risks, the public can call the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.”