Photo of commuters in Bangkok, January 2019 courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Despite its stunning beaches attracting tourists in abundance, Phuket is grappling with a significant surge in Covid-19 cases, ranking it among the top three provinces for infection rates in Thailand this year. Remarkably, the island has not reported any Covid-related deaths so far.

 

From January 1 to May 10, 2025, Phuket documented 1,287 Covid cases, resulting in an infection rate of 317.82 per 100,000 people. This places it just behind Bangkok and Chon Buri, according to data from the Department of Disease Control. Dr Kusuma Sawangphan, Head of the Communicable Disease Control Group at the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO), highlighted this information during a press briefing on May 19.

 

Nationwide, Thailand has recorded 73,070 infections and 25 deaths this year, with a national death rate of just 0.043 per 100,000 people. From May 4–10 alone, the country saw 22,493 new infections and eight fatalities, illustrating the ongoing challenges posed by the virus.

 

Phuket's success in avoiding fatalities might be attributed to its robust healthcare response and the high level of community immunity, either through vaccinations or previous infections, Dr Kusuma suggested. She also emphasized that the PPHO continues to monitor the situation closely, especially because Phuket remains a key tourism hotspot with a constant stream of visitors.

 

As Thailand transitions into the rainy season, known for increasing respiratory illnesses, the PPHO has issued warnings about the potential for faster Covid and viral infection spread. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any symptoms.

 

The top ten provinces for Covid infections also include Bangkok, with 36,329 cases and 11 deaths, and Chon Buri, with 5,533 cases and one death. Other areas on the list are Rayong, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Sisaket, Chumphon, Pathum Thani, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

 

As Phuket navigates this surge, the balance between maintaining tourism and ensuring public health remains a critical focus for local authorities and health officials.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-20

 

 

Pity.. Phuket always want to be the first or the special island..... so come on more Covid patient to get the number 1 position .. good as a soft power goal to attrack tourists. Come to Phuket with covid to make the island number 1

13 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Pity.. Phuket always want to be the first or the special island..... so come on more Covid patient to get the number 1 position .. good as a soft power goal to attrack tourists. Come to Phuket with covid to make the island number 1

Well, and you will see all Alu-Hats ranting that COVID will not harm you but vaccines. 😂🤗🥰✌️

5 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Well, and you will see all Alu-Hats ranting that COVID will not harm you but vaccines. 😂🤗🥰✌️

Are they the same people you mockednand attacked for saying covid was a lab leak?

From China again?

33 minutes ago, JJ-Thailand said:

From China again?

I wouldn't put it past the CCP, they do like dirty tricks when in a tight spot.