Phuket has Thailand’s third-highest COVID-19 incidence rate

Phuket recorded 514.85 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people by 31 August, giving it Thailand’s third-highest incidence rate, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).

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 was linked in part to its status as a major tourist destination and its high population density.

Thailand recorded 99,691 COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths between 1 January and 31 August. Health officials said there was no indication that the virus was currently causing more severe illness.

The Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1 accounted for 524 cases, or 50.14%, in surveillance data. The DDC said the subvariant, detected continuously in Thailand since mid-2025, may spread more easily but there was no evidence that it caused more severe illness.

Dr Veerawat Manosutthi, a senior DDC medical expert and spokesperson, said current symptoms remained broadly similar to those caused by earlier variants. They generally included coughing, a sore throat, a runny nose and fever, with many cases resembling a common cold or influenza.

The DDC advised people who become ill to rest, reduce close contact with others, wear a mask if they must be around people and wash their hands frequently. Those with symptoms should avoid close contact with older people, young children and people with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems.

People aged 60 and over, pregnant women at 12 weeks or more, and those with specified chronic conditions are in the DDC’s higher-risk “Group 608”. They were advised to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas and take additional precautions.

Anyone whose symptoms do not improve within one or two days should seek medical attention. Immediate care is advised for difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, severe lethargy or a worsening condition. The DDC hotline is 1422.