Health and Safety During the Rainy Season: Threats of Eight Diseases in Thailand

Strategic Insights -

As the rainy season approaches in Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a warning about the increased risks of eight diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, dengue fever, and measles. Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, the DDC's spokeswoman, urged the public to take precautions, especially in light of the rising cases of COVID-19 and the threat of bird flu in Cambodia. The DDC reported an alarming surge in COVID-19 clusters, particularly in educational institutions, with the dominant strain being NB.1.8.1, designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. Influenza cases are also on the rise, with 48 outbreaks reported in schools, and dengue fever cases have increased across the country, particularly in the North and South.

Key Takeaways:

  • As of 2025, Thailand has reported 545,560 cases and 206 deaths from COVID-19, with 93% of deaths occurring in individuals over 60 years of age.
  • The majority of COVID-19 clusters have been observed in educational institutions, and the dominant strain is NB.1.8.1.
  • Thailand has reported 382,471 cases of influenza, with 51 deaths, and the flu has been most common in children aged 5-9 years.
  • Dengue fever cases have increased, with 19,491 reported cases and 21 deaths in 2025, particularly in the North and South.
  • HIV cases have decreased in Thailand, with 547,556 people living with HIV, and new diagnoses have shown a downward trend since 2017.
  • Syphilis cases have risen significantly, with 25,469 reported in 2024, compared to 8,737 in 2022.
  • Leptospirosis cases have increased, particularly among individuals aged 60 and above, with 1,623 reported cases and 20 deaths in 2025.
  • Avian influenza (bird flu) cases have been reported in Cambodia, with 9 cases in 2025, and Thailand has continuous surveillance to monitor the risk.
  • Measles cases have been reported in Thailand, with 1,295 cases and 425 confirmed cases, particularly in children under 5 years old.

Statistics:

  • 545,560 COVID-19 cases reported in Thailand as of 2025.
  • 93% of COVID-19 deaths occurring in individuals over 60 years of age.
  • 382,471 influenza cases reported in Thailand, with 51 deaths.
  • 19,491 dengue fever cases reported in 2025, with 21 deaths.
  • 547,556 people living with HIV in Thailand.
  • 25,469 syphilis cases reported in 2024, compared to 8,737 in 2022.
  • 1,623 Leptospirosis cases reported in 2025, with 20 deaths.
  • 9 avian influenza (bird flu) cases reported in Cambodia in 2025.
  • 1,295 measles cases reported in Thailand, with 425 confirmed cases.

Sources:

  • Department of Disease Control (DDC), Thailand.
  • World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand.
  • Thailand Department of Health, Thailand.