According to the COVID-19 Information Center of the Thai government, the number of COVID-19 cases has surged in Thailand, with a total of 71,067 infections and 19 deaths reported from January 1 to May 14, 2025.
According to the COVID-19 Information Center, the number of cases continues to rise, with two significant cluster outbreaks identified. The new outbreak occurred after the Songkran holiday (week 16), during which the number of cases increased steadily.
Data from the Medical Science Department of the Thai Ministry of Health shows an increasing presence of the XEC Omicron variant in Thailand in January and February this year. Health officials urge the public to remain vigilant, monitor symptoms, wash hands regularly, and wear masks in crowded places.
The XEC variant is a new recombinant strain of Omicron, first identified in Germany in June 2024. It is a hybrid of two subvariants: KS.1.1 (FLiRT) and KP.3.3 (FLuQE). XEC carries many mutations that allow for faster transmission and has now been detected in at least 15 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia. Data from the US, UK, and China show that XEC spreads 84 - 110% faster than other Omicron subvariants, accounting for 10 - 20% of new infections in some areas.
Symptoms of XEC infection include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of smell or taste, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Preventive measures include vaccination and booster shots, wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands frequently, maintaining physical distance, and isolating if symptoms appear.
