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Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has raised alarms due to a rise in respiratory illnesses, recording over 555,000 influenza cases and 16,145 RSV infections in 2023, resulting in 61 deaths, including those of two young children. The Disease Control Department (DDC) released these figures on September 22 and emphasized the risk to vulnerable populations, including young children and the elderly.

 

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is particularly concerning as it can cause serious illness in young children and older adults. It spreads via droplets from coughs or sneezes, potentially leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia in more severe cases. Between January 1 and September 20, the majority of influenza cases involved children aged five to nine, while RSV predominantly affected those aged zero to four.

 

In response, the Ministry is urging adherence to the "Cover, Wash, Avoid, Stop" protocol. This involves covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and staying home when sick. The public is advised to seek medical care for severe symptoms.

 

Last month, in August, health officials increased bird flu surveillance following an outbreak in neighboring Cambodia. The DDC also enhanced measures against the H5N1 virus, while the Department of Livestock Development requested vigilance from farmers regarding animal health.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand reports over 555,000 influenza cases and 16,145 RSV infections.
• The public is advised to follow preventive health practices to curb spread.
• Health monitoring was increased following an H5N1 outbreak in Cambodia.

 

Related stories:

Military Doctor Arrested for Administering Fake Flu Vaccines

Health Officials Warn of Rising RSV Cases During Rainy Season

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-22

 

 

31 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

recording over 555,000 influenza cases and 16,145 RSV infections in 2023, resulting in 61 deaths, including those of two young children. The Disease Control Department (DDC) released these figures on September 22

From the Department of Never Too Late.  🙂

There is no spike. There was a spike. 2 years ago. What a strange thread.

Sha la la live for yesteryears numbers?? Lol

57 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has raised alarms due to a rise in respiratory illnesses (...) in 2023 (...)

 

Time travellers on the way to the year 2023 are advised to take appropriate precautions! 😆 

Vaccinations centers in Thailand have tried to sell me RSV vaccine every time I have been to get a vaccine of late. Not only Mahidol Travel vaccination center in Bangkok, but also Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. Not sure it's a priority though. From what I read in Wikipedia it's similar to the pneumococcal vaccine, more a thing for the weakened elderly, not for the elderly chugging along on DoxyPeP, Sildenafil, cannabis and God knows what.

'Coughs and sneezes, spread diseases. Trap the germs in your handkerchief!' UK billboards,1940s.  Who carries a handkerchief nowadays? Three of my wife's relatives are now laid up with the flu.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is certainly also POLLUTION related. Need I say more in the context of Thailand's completely absent pollution control once the Somchais start burning their corn and sugarcane fields again?

It also seems that any little cold (and Thais have many more colds as they have literally no self-defense anti-bodies against almost anything) today is booked as influenza, Covid and, if luck has it, the pest anytime soon ..... 

Enforce the pollution laws drastically and without exception (yes, I know, Thailand's biggest food processors will not like it) and it will literally clear a lot of the present "nuisances"

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

including young children

 

I hope it includes teenagers with noisy mopeds.

1 hour ago, Sydebolle said:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is certainly also POLLUTION related. Need I say more in the context of Thailand's completely absent pollution control once the Somchais start burning their corn and sugarcane fields again?

It also seems that any little cold (and Thais have many more colds as they have literally no self-defense anti-bodies against almost anything) today is booked as influenza, Covid and, if luck has it, the pest anytime soon ..... 

Enforce the pollution laws drastically and without exception (yes, I know, Thailand's biggest food processors will not like it) and it will literally clear a lot of the present "nuisances"

I didn't read that research. Thanks for your enlightened insight into how pollution causes the flu.  We are ever so grateful for you wisdom. 

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

raised alarms due to a rise in respiratory illnesses,

 

From tear gas and white phosphorus?

I know a couple of businesses where most of their staff have been wiped out with the flu. Contrary to what people are saying here there is a lot around at the moment. 

On 9/22/2025 at 5:25 PM, snoop1130 said:

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has raised alarms due to a rise in respiratory illnesses, recording over 555,000 influenza cases and 16,145 RSV infections in 2023,

 

I am genuinely curious how they differentiated between Flu, RSV and Covid cases, given that I have never actually been tested for any of those before getting a script and a medical certificate and sent on my way by a Thai hospital.  And that's when I even went to a hospital instead of just staying home for a few days.

 

I'm not bashing the Thai hospitals.  Back in the USA, it was the same.  Most times, the doctor sent a prescription straight to the pharmacy and I never even saw a provider in person, much less get swabbed tested.  And the instructions were "take these and call back if you're not better in a week or so".

 

As soon as I get off the plane in BKK my eyes tear up, my nose  start running , another few days and hacking up and spitting  like I have been a life long smoker. A retiree's death wish! Advertised as the LOS's. hahaha.. "Joke of the day" 

On 9/23/2025 at 9:45 AM, thjames007 said:

I didn't read that research. Thanks for your enlightened insight into how pollution causes the flu.  We are ever so grateful for you wisdom. 

You are more than welcome. The flue is not triggered off by pollution; latter ensures a weaker immunity stystem of your body which consequently make is easier for the affected to get ..... the flu!

You may now kiss the ring 😉 

On 9/22/2025 at 5:03 PM, blaze master said:

There is no spike. There was a spike. 2 years ago. What a strange thread.

Just making the news newsworthy.