/TV Chosun broadcast screen capture,
Amid the recent resurgence of COVID-19 in Greater China, the number of confirmed cases is also rapidly increasing in Thailand.
On the 20th local time, the Thai media Bangkok Post reported, citing the Department of Disease Control (DDC), that between May 11 to 17, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thailand reached 33,030, more than doubling compared to the previous week’s 16,000 cases.
According to the DDC, out of the confirmed cases from last week, 1,918 people were hospitalized, and among them, 2 died.
By region, the capital Bangkok had the highest number of confirmed cases at 6,290. By age, those in their 30s were the most affected.
While Thai health authorities claim the situation is under control, the medical community has raised concerns regarding the situation.
Prof. Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University stated, “The number of COVID-19 cases is rapidly increasing for the 11th consecutive week, and if this continues, the number of cases could double again next week, leading to a prolonged outbreak.”
The resurgence in Thailand is believed to be triggered by Songkran, the country’s largest festival and holiday in April.
During Songkran, there is significant movement of people and large gatherings, as well as the world’s largest water festival taking place.
In response, the city of Bangkok has strengthened quarantine measures and is working on securing vaccines and hospital beds.
Residents are advised to wear masks and undergo immediate testing if they develop suspicious symptoms.
Recently, signs of a COVID-19 resurgence are also emerging in Greater China, including Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, around 30 COVID-19-related deaths have occurred in the past month, and the rate of confirmed cases has increased to a one-year high of 13.66%.
While the positivity rate is increasing in mainland China, confirmed cases and hospitalizations have also surged significantly in Singapore since the beginning of this month.