Phuket recorded 514.85 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population as of Aug 31, giving the province the third-highest incidence rate in Thailand. Bangkok had the highest rate at 643.65 cases per 100,000, followed by Chon Buri at 530.52.
The DDC said Phuket’s relatively high rate is linked in part to the province’s status as a major tourist destination and its high population density, which can result in greater transmission when cases are measured against the resident population.
Nationwide, Thailand recorded 99,691 COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths between Jan 1 and Aug 31, according to data presented by the DDC on Sept 1.
Despite the number of cases, health officials stressed that there is no indication that COVID-19 is currently causing more severe illness.
The current dominant variant being monitored in Thailand is the Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1, which accounted for 524 cases, or 50.14%, in surveillance data. The variant has been detected continuously in Thailand since mid-2025.
The DDC said there is no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes increased severity, although it may spread more easily.
Dr Veerawat Manosutthi, a senior DDC medical expert and spokesperson, said current symptoms remain broadly similar to those caused by earlier variants. Patients generally experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, runny nose and fever, and for many people the illness resembles a common cold or influenza.
The department stressed that the emergence of new COVID-19 subtypes does not automatically mean the disease has become more severe.
The public therefore does not need to be concerned about the names of individual subvariants, the DDC said, but should instead follow information from reliable public health agencies and take sensible precautions against respiratory infections.
‘REST WHEN SICK, REDUCE CLOSE CONTACT’
The DDC’s main advice is for people who become ill to “rest when sick, reduce close contact” with others.
People experiencing symptoms should get sufficient rest, monitor their condition and avoid close contact with elderly people, young children, people with underlying medical conditions and those with weakened immune systems.
People who are sick should also avoid crowded places where possible. If they need to be around others, they should wear a mask and wash their hands frequently.
Most COVID-19 cases are currently mild, but the DDC said people in its ‘Group 608’ remain at greater risk of severe illness. This group includes people aged 60 and over, pregnant women with a gestational age of 12 weeks or more, and people with chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney failure, stroke, obesity, cancer or diabetes.
These groups are advised to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas and take additional precautions.
The DDC said there is no need for the public to panic over changes in COVID-19 variants and people should continue their normal daily lives while taking appropriate precautions.
Anyone whose symptoms do not improve within one or two days should seek medical attention. People experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, severe lethargy or a worsening condition should seek medical attention immediately.
Further information is available from the Department of Disease Control hotline on 1422.