On May 26, Dr. Mingkwan Suphanpong, Director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), reported updated data from the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, on the COVID-19 situation in Thailand. In Week 21 of 2025 (May 18–24), there were 53,597 new cases and 5 additional deaths, bringing the total death toll for 2025 to 46. The dominant strain detected is JN.1, which can cause reinfection. Many individuals are unaware they are infected due to mild symptoms, yet they remain highly contagious, contributing to rapid and widespread transmission—especially as people gather in large groups and during the rainy season when this endemic disease remains prevalent.
The GPO, responsible for producing, stocking, and distributing medicines and medical supplies, noted a surge in demand and has responded by increasing production since early May. It ramped up the manufacture of COVID-19 treatment drugs, including 1.75 million tablets of Favipiravir and 3.36 million capsules of Molnupiravir.
On May 23, these medications were stocked and promptly dispatched to hospitals. Deliveries in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region were completed within one day and within three days for other provinces. As of May 24, 13 hospitals in Bangkok received the drugs, and approximately 315 hospitals nationwide received supplies on May 26. Additional batches will be distributed on May 28 and in early June.
Dr. Mingkwan added that GPO has also procured additional raw materials for continued production and has diversified its sources to ensure a stable supply in case of rising demand. The organization closely monitors the situation to adapt production and stockpiling accordingly.
To prevent infection, Dr. Mingkwan emphasized the importance of personal protective measures: wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, frequent handwashing, maintaining distance from others, avoiding unnecessary face-touching, changing clothes and showering after returning home, eating hot food with serving utensils, and using ATK tests when symptoms arise. Those with severe symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.