A popular page revealed that the “Nipah virus” is not a new disease. It causes occasional outbreaks in limited areas and does not spread far. It is believed there is no chance of a global pandemic. Thailand has never had an outbreak of this disease but always maintains surveillance.
On 24 Jan 2026 GMT+7, it was reported that the Facebook page Drama-addict, run by Dr. Witthawat Siriprachai, posted images and information about the spread of the “Nipah virus.” The first image showed the areas affected by the virus. This virus is not new; it has existed for a long time with sporadic outbreaks.
In the past 10 years, there have been about 20 outbreaks, all in limited areas. Each outbreak was controlled because the virus does not spread easily and has a high fatality rate. Viruses with these characteristics tend not to spread far and certainly cannot cause a global pandemic.
However, outbreaks occur sporadically, especially in areas where there is significant encroachment into forested regions, blurring the boundaries between forest and urban areas. This increases the chance of the virus transmitting from wild animals to livestock or humans. The highest outbreak regions are India and Bangladesh.
Thailand has never experienced an outbreak of this disease but continues to maintain constant monitoring.
Therefore, people do not need to worry about this. It is more important to be concerned about the flu, which is more common and truly dangerous.