This article analyzes the resurgence of chikungunya in Thailand based on cases reported to the Ministry of Public Health between January 2008 and December 2023. A total of 88,239 cases were recorded, with two major epidemic periods: 2008–2009 and 2018–2020. The peak occurred in 2009, with 52,057 cases, following the 2,494 cases reported in 2008. Subsequently, the incidence decreased significantly between 2010 and 2017, but increased again from 2018 onward, with 13,121 cases in 2019 and 11,331 in 2020.
The disease was observed year-round, although with a higher incidence during the rainy season, particularly from May onward. It affected people of all ages, although it was more prevalent in adults, with no significant differences between sexes. Geographically, cases were initially concentrated in southern Thailand between 2008 and 2019, while in 2020 they predominated in the north, and between 2021 and 2023, mainly in the central region.
Clinically, chikungunya is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, rash, and intense joint pain, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet. Although mortality was very low—only one death was reported in 2020—the disease can cause a high burden of morbidity due to persistent joint pain lasting for weeks or months, with both physical and psychological impacts on patients. The article highlights that recent outbreaks in Thailand are linked to African strains of the virus, different from the historical Asian strains. Some mutations, such as E1:A226V, may facilitate transmission by Aedes albopictus, increasing the epidemic potential. The combination of tropical climate, rainfall, high vector density, international mobility, and a susceptible population keeps Thailand at risk of new outbreaks.
The main conclusion is that chikungunya remains a significant public health problem in Thailand. Key measures include epidemiological and entomological surveillance, sustainable vector control, elimination of breeding sites, community education, and personal protection against mosquitoes/vaccine
