BANGKOK — Thailand registered 65 880 new Covid-19 cases and three deaths between 25 and 31 May, the Public Health Ministry confirmed this week. Although the figure looks steep, epidemiologists insist the country passed its seasonal peak in mid-May and is now on a “gradual decline”.
Wave Driven by Working-Age Thais
- Largest cohort: 30- to 39-year-olds (12 403 cases)
- Next: 20- to 29-year-olds (10 368)
- High-risk group: 60 + years (9 590)
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin attributed the surge to cooler, rain-soaked conditions that favour respiratory viruses. “The numbers may look alarming, but hospital capacity and drug inventories are sufficient,” he said, adding that front-line staff have been instructed to secure extra antivirals and rapid-test kits
Indicators Point to Retreat
Disease-control officials say the rolling seven-day average of infections has dipped for four consecutive days, and daily tallies have fallen from the late-May high of about 20 000 to just under 17 000 nationwide. Independent trackers corroborate the downtrend, though Bangkok and Chonburi still report the most cases
Hospital Guidance and Public Advice
The ministry’s updated advisory asks residents to:
- Mask up in crowded or poorly ventilated venues.
- Self-test before visiting elderly relatives or attending large events.
- Wash hands frequently and avoid face-touching.
- Opt for cooked food and stay home if symptomatic.
Influenza Also Receding
Seasonal flu admissions have dropped for two weeks in a row. Most infections were among children aged five to nine, while fatalities were concentrated in seniors with chronic illnesses, Somsak noted.
Outlook: “Manageable Summer”
Virologists at Mahidol University expect Covid-19 activity to plateau through July before tailing off, provided the public maintains basic precautions. The health minister said Thailand has no plans for renewed restrictions but remains “ready to scale measures up or down” should a new variant emerge. (zai)