Health Covid-19's XEC Variant Spreads Like Wildfire, Says Thai Health Ministry

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Photo: Xinhua/VNA

 

The alarming spread of the XEC variant of Covid-19 has put Thailand's Public Health Ministry on high alert as the virus is reportedly spreading seven times faster than the common flu. A concerted effort led by Minister Somsak Thepsuthin aims to safeguard vulnerable groups, while also keeping a vigilant eye on its proliferation in schools throughout the nation.

 

According to official figures, since January 1st, 108,891 cases of the XEC variant have been logged, resulting in 27 fatalities.

 

The majority of the deaths, around 80%, have tragically been among senior citizens, highlighting the virus's dangerous impact on the elderly, classified under the "608 group."

 

Despite the swift transmission, the strain, a descendant of Omicron, is noted for its relatively mild severity. However, its rapid spread raises significant concerns, especially with the variant having already impacted children as well.

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has urged educational institutions to keep a watchful eye and manage potential clusters amongst pupils.

 

Health expert Dr Teera Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University underlines that this Covid-19 strain continues to be the foremost infectious disease, affecting individuals across all ages, including young children, teenagers, and those in the working-age bracket.

 

In just a week, Covid-19 hospital admissions saw a 35.5% jump, numbering 43,213 both for in-patients and outpatients.

 

Three fresh fatalities were recently reported in Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, and Bangkok Noi, underscoring the persistent threat posed by this highly transmissible variant.

 

The country remains in its 21st week of applying disease control measures to mitigate further spread and protect at-risk populations.

 

The Thai authorities maintain vigilance, focusing resources on shielding the most vulnerable while the quick spread of the virus prompts continuous review and adaptation of health protocols.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-21

 

 

[connda]

Best to shove swabs up kid's noses, mandate masks for everyone, social distance because we tell you to, force everyone to get shots, and of course start closing all "non-essential businesses" again.  Time to hammer the final stake though the heart of the Thai economy and put an end to small and medium size businesses in the name of Covid - The king of all diseases.  And close the airports.  No more tourism!  And roll out the "Experts" again to scare the commoners into compliance.  Gotta pick up where they left off.

[connda]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In just a week, Covid-19 hospital admissions saw a 35.5% jump, numbering 43,213 both for in-patients and outpatients.

In Thailand, they'll hospitalize people for having a freaking cold.

[edwinchester]

4 hours ago, connda said:

Best to shove swabs up kid's noses, mandate masks for everyone, social distance because we tell you to, force everyone to get shots, and of course start closing all "non-essential businesses" again.  Time to hammer the final stake though the heart of the Thai economy and put an end to small and medium size businesses in the name of Covid - The king of all diseases.  And close the airports.  No more tourism!  And roll out the "Experts" again to scare the commoners into compliance.  Gotta pick up where they left off.

That is absolutely not happening. All they are suggesting, after stressing the mild symptoms, is to take care for the sake of those in vulnerable groups who make up the vast majority of serious cases.

[edwinchester]

4 hours ago, connda said:

In Thailand, they'll hospitalize people for having a freaking cold.

Only if you want to be, it's a private hospital and you can pay or have insurance. If it's a Govt Hospital they'll give you a packet of paracetamol and tell you to go home and rest.

[Moonlover]

6 minutes ago, edwinchester said:

Only if you want to be, it's a private hospital and you can pay or have insurance. If it's a Govt Hospital they'll give you a packet of paracetamol and tell you to go home and rest.

And the latter is probably the most appropriate advice.

[Kinnock]

4 hours ago, connda said:

In Thailand, they'll hospitalize people for having a freaking cold.

Yes, but that's partly driven by health insurance that only pays out if you stay overnight, and the lack GP surgeries.

[ViajeroLA]

How someone could be so stupid to take anything "covid-related" seriously is just beyond imagination 🙃

[Pouatchee]

7 hours ago, connda said:

Best to shove swabs up kid's noses, mandate masks for everyone, social distance because we tell you to, force everyone to get shots, and of course start closing all "non-essential businesses" again.

 

I get what youre saying, but having astbma snd COPD i just digned up for a covid booster and influenza booster too. Im in canada coming to thailand in end of june and the last thing i want is to be hospitalised again. I spent the worst 3 months of my life this winter bring hospitalised a dozen times.

 

For me, covid is something to be taken seriously... despite what many say i know for a fact it could pfobably kill me.