Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government said there have been 40 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Thailand so far this year, with officials urging vigilance, particularly among high-risk groups and travellers returning from affected regions.
Deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak said on July 12 that while the number of cases in 2025 is lower than in previous years with 176 cases in 2024, and 676 cases in 2023, the disease has not disappeared. The domestic death toll stands at 13 since the virus was first detected in the country in July 2022.
The Department of Disease Control will step up monitoring and screening, especially for international arrivals, amid concerns about more virulent strains from overseas. The variant currently circulating in Thailand is not considered severe, he said.
According to Anukul, monkeypox continues to affect high-risk groups and that preventive measures are critical.
The government advises using condoms during sexual activity, particularly for those with multiple partners, as it can reduce the risk of monkeypox and other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and syphilis. The latter has shown signs of increasing spread in recent months, he said.
The public is urged to follow five key precautions, including avoiding close contact with individuals who have skin rashes or blisters, being cautious when engaging in sexual activity with unfamiliar individuals and seeking medical testing if returning from Central or East Africa or the Middle East.
Those undergoing testing are advised to isolate personal items and wear face masks when around others./.
