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Thailand Reports Two New mpox Cases, Boosts Surveillance
Developing
In Short: Thailand's Department of Disease Control has increased surveillance of mpox clade Ib after two new cases were reported, focusing on close physical and sexual contact risks.
Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) has heightened surveillance of mpox clade Ib following the confirmation of two new cases among individuals with risk factors linked to close physical and sexual contact with strangers, according to Nationthailand.
Dr. Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the DDC, reported that since the beginning of 2026, six mpox cases have been recorded, with no deaths, and that the main risk factor remains close skin-to-skin contact associated with sexual activity, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).
The DDC has emphasized the importance of avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with people showing symptoms and refraining from sexual contact with strangers, especially in tourist venues or through social media meetings, as advised by Dr. Direk Khampaen, deputy director-general of the DDC.
Thailand has an effective surveillance and treatment system, and the DDC urges the public to maintain confidence in the country's public health system while continuing to cooperate in disease prevention efforts.
Background
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, and formerly known as Siam, is a country located in Mainland Southeast Asia. It shares land borders with Myanmar to the west and northwest, Laos to the east and northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has stepped up surveillance of mpox clade Ib after two new confirmed cases were reported among people with risk factors linked to close physical contact and sexual…
- Dr Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the DDC, said on Tuesday (May 19) that surveillance data from the Division of Epidemiology showed Thailand had recorded 1,074 confirmed mpox cases and 16 deaths in total.
- During weeks 18 and 19 of the year, covering April 26 to May 9, 2026, Thailand reported two new confirmed mpox clade Ib cases.
- The main risk factor remains close skin-to-skin contact associated with sexual activity, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), the department said.
- Mpox clade Ib has shown signs of wider spread since it was first detected in Thailand in 2024.
- Since the beginning of 2026, six cases have been reported, also with no deaths.
- “Mpox cases continue to be detected, particularly among groups with risk behaviours. The best prevention is to avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have symptoms, and to avoid sexual contact with…
- Dr Direk Khampaen, deputy director-general of the DDC, said mpox could be prevented if people avoided risky behaviour, especially sexual contact with strangers in specific tourist venues or through meetings arranged…