Thailand has recorded a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases over the past week, with 76,161 new infections and 40 additional deaths, according to data released by the Department of Disease Control (DDC).
The surge has reignited concerns about the ongoing outbreak as the country navigates the endemic phase of the virus.
The figures, covering the period from May 24 to June 14, bring the total number of confirmed cases since January 1 to 476,584.
Of the recent infections, 72,166 patients were admitted to hospital, while 3,995 were treated as outpatients. The latest fatalities have raised the death toll for the year to 154.
Bangkok continues to report the highest number of infections, with 17,945 new cases recorded in the past week. Other provinces with significant case numbers include Chon Buri (3,315), Nakhon Ratchasima (3,027), Chiang Mai (2,678), and Rayong (1,775).
Data analysis shows that older adults remain the most vulnerable group, with 14,757 infections reported among those aged 60 and above.
The 30–39 age group accounted for 14,561 cases, followed closely by individuals aged 20–29 with 13,889 cases. Both groups are considered to have high levels of social exposure, contributing to the spread.
A weekly trend graph from the DDC shows that cases continued to rise through week 24, indicating sustained community transmission.
Health authorities are urging the public to remain cautious by wearing masks in crowded areas, practising hand hygiene, and receiving vaccination boosters — especially among high-risk groups.
In a separate update on Monday, Dr Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine shared a post on Facebook highlighting recent Covid-19 fatalities.
He stated that the virus had claimed 116 lives in the past four weeks — a figure significantly higher than that of seasonal influenza, and nearly four times greater than deaths caused by other forms of pneumonia.
Dr Thira stressed that Covid-19 continues to pose a serious threat to public health. He warned that public complacency could result in even more fatalities if preventive measures are not followed.
The rising toll has intensified calls for renewed public awareness and caution, particularly as Thailand continues to navigate the endemic phase of Covid-19 amid fluctuating case numbers.
