Nakhon Ratchasima News Center — The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has announced the COVID-19 outbreak situation in Korat, reporting 1,216 cumulative cases from January to August, with Mueang district recording the highest number. Cases surged to their peak during the rainy season in August, with 807 cases, and three deaths have been recorded so far. The PPHO emphasized that the overall cumulative case count for the year remains below the five-year historical median, that the public health system still has sufficient beds and medical supplies, and that all areas have been ordered to step up four strict control measures.
Today (28 Aug 2026), Dr. Wichan Khithen, Chief Public Health Officer of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, disclosed that the COVID-19 situation in Nakhon Ratchasima Province from 1 January to 25 August 2026 has seen a cumulative total of 1,216 cases and 3 cumulative deaths. The situation began accelerating during the rainy season: 274 cases were recorded in July, then surging to a peak of 807 cases in August, accounting for 66.3% of all cases this year. Nevertheless, when compared with historical statistics, the overall cumulative case count for the year still falls below the five-year historical median, and the local public health system continues to have adequate beds and medical supplies.
Based on descriptive epidemiological analysis, the following key findings were identified. High-transmission areas: Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district recorded the highest number of cases at 631 (more than half of the provincial total), followed by Pak Chong district with 89 cases and Chum Phuang district with 48 cases. High-risk occupational groups: hired workers/laborers accounted for the highest proportion at 26.5%, followed by students at 10.6%. Regarding reports circulating in the news about high case-fatality rates in Phra Thong Kham, Kham Thalae So, and Pak Chong districts, the PPHO clarified that these are a statistical reflection resulting from the very small number of cases found (for example, Phra Thong Kham district had only 3 cases and 1 death), and are in no way indicative of a mutation to a more severe strain.
Dr. Wichan further stated that, in order to respond to the situation during this period of high outbreak activity, the Nakhon Ratchasima Communicable Disease Committee has approved four key operational measures for immediate implementation by all relevant agencies, as follows: 1. Targeted disease control measures: Accelerate proactive surveillance and screening in economically dense areas and crowded communities, particularly in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district and Pak Chong district.
2. Measures for at-risk occupational groups and educational institutions: Coordinate with businesses, factories, and schools to strictly screen workers and students for symptoms; anyone found to be symptomatic must be isolated immediately.
3. Protective measures for the 608 vulnerable group: Assign Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) and Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals (HPHs) to closely monitor the health of elderly persons aged 70 and above; if infected, they are to be referred for in-hospital treatment immediately in order to reduce the mortality rate. 4. Infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities: Heighten safety standards and strictly prevent infection among medical personnel in order to maintain the stability of services to the public.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office calls on the public and the media to join in vigilance, and emphasizes personal hygiene measures: wear a mask when in crowded areas, wash hands frequently, and take an ATK test immediately upon experiencing flu-like symptoms, for the safety of oneself and one's family.
