BANGKOK — 20 January 2026, Bangkok health authorities are stepping up surveillance and preparedness to prevent the spread of mpox, with all city-run hospitals ordered to heighten monitoring and rapidly isolate suspected cases, an official said.
Kriengkrai Tangjitramaneesakda, director of the Medical Service Department, said the department is closely tracking the situation and has instructed all hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to screen patients in emergency rooms and outpatient departments. Specialised clinics, including those for sexually transmitted infections, dermatology and HIV care, have also been placed on alert.
Suspected cases must be sent for laboratory confirmation through the Urban Disease Prevention and Control Institute, with disease investigations launched immediately to curb any spread, he said. Sirindhorn Hospital has been designated to operate an emerging disease control centre to monitor and manage the mpox situation closely. Patients with suspected symptoms are to be isolated at once and reported to senior officials and the Ministry of Public Health.
Authorities urged people who have had close contact with suspected mpox patients — including contact within 1 metre without a face mask or providing care — to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. Warning signs include rashes, blisters or pustules on the genitals or anus, or on the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth, as well as fever and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears, in the neck or groin. Anyone with such symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Kriengkrai warned that people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe complications such as pneumonia or death. Suspected cases will be isolated and reported under established guidelines.
The department is also campaigning to raise public awareness on prevention, urging people to avoid close contact with others outside their homes, not to share food or personal items, practise safe sex and observe whether those they meet show signs of illness. Wearing face masks can significantly reduce the risk of infection, he said.
While vaccination against smallpox can reduce the risk of mpox infection, it is recommended only for people with occupational exposure or close contact with infected individuals or animals. Vaccination can also be given within 14 days after exposure.
People with symptoms can seek care at any of the 24 Bangkok Gender Diversity Health Clinics or consult doctors via the “Doctor BMA” telemedicine application. Further information is available through the Bangkok health hotline at 1646, which operates 24 hours a day.