Tengrinews.kz — Several Russian media outlets recently reported on an alleged new COVID-19 outbreak in Phuket, claiming that infected tourists and expats were experiencing severe symptoms. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) under the Ministry of Public Health later refuted these reports. The department stated that the situation on the island is not an emergency, although the coronavirus does continue to circulate.
Against the backdrop of these reports, a Tengrinews correspondent sought to investigate the current global status of COVID-19 and the specific situation in Kazakhstan.
COVID-19 status in Thailand
According to The Phuket News portal on September 2, as of August 31, Phuket recorded 514.85 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population. This placed the province third in Thailand for infection rates.
First place went to Bangkok, with 643.65 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Chonburi province with 530.52 cases.
The Department of Disease Control attributed Phuket's figures to the island's specific characteristics, noting it is a major tourist destination with a high population density.
"This can contribute to more active transmission when the number of cases is calculated relative to the permanent population," media reports state.
However, authorities do not consider the situation an emergency or an unusually severe outbreak. They characterized the rise in cases as seasonal, noting that the infection primarily manifests with mild symptoms.
Current circulating variants
Thailand continues to monitor Omicron variants. The primary sub-variant currently being identified in the country remains NB.1.8.1.
"It accounted for 524 cases, or 50.14 percent of the total cases identified through epidemiological surveillance. This variant has been continuously detected in Thailand since mid-2025," according to a September 1 update on the website of the Department of Disease Control of the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
The department also stated that there is no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness:
"According to epidemiological surveillance data, most patients exhibit symptoms similar to the common cold".
Global COVID-19 status
In light of these reports, we contacted the National Center for Public Health to learn about the overall global epidemiological situation.
According to specialists, the coronavirus continues to circulate worldwide, though incidence rates vary significantly by region.
Experts note that, according to World Health Organization data, in most countries providing data, the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) remains low and stable.
However, higher rates are being recorded in certain regions. Test positivity rates exceeding 10 percent have been noted in countries in:
- Central America and the Caribbean;
- Southwest Europe;
- Selected countries in Northern Europe, as well as Western, Southern, and Eastern Asia.
"A slight increase in coronavirus activity has been observed in one country in tropical South America," the National Center commented.
According to the WHO and national epidemiological surveillance systems, the Omicron variant also continues to circulate globally.
Situation in Kazakhstan
The National Center for Public Health reported that the COVID-19 situation in the country remains stable.
Since the beginning of 2026, Kazakhstan has registered 87 confirmed cases of COVID-19. No fatalities have been reported.
Specialists point out that, compared to the same period last year, the incidence rate has decreased 3.7-fold. Currently, an average of up to 15 cases per week are recorded nationwide.
"In line with global trends, the Omicron variant strain, first identified in 2022, continues to circulate in Kazakhstan," the National Center reported.
Kazakhstan continues to monitor the situation
Specialists emphasized that against the backdrop of changing epidemiological conditions in various countries, weekly monitoring of COVID-19 incidence in Kazakhstan and tracking of the global situation continues.
Experts recommend:
- avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
- washing hands frequently, especially after contact with infected individuals or their environment;
- ventilate rooms regularly.
Specialists advise seeking medical attention if symptoms of the illness appear.
Previously, Kazakhstanis discussed an illness on social media that they said resembled COVID-19. People complained of severe weakness, body aches, a runny nose, sore throat, and a cough, as well as loss of smell and taste. Some reported being ill for several weeks and noted that antibiotics had no effect.
