
Thailand urges calm as NB.1.8.1 becomes dominant Covid-19 strain
Thailand’s health authorities urge calm about Singapore’s Covid spike, noting NB.1.8.1 is already circulating in Thailand and now accounts for about 50.95% of sequenced samples. From Jan 1 to May 23, 2026, Thailand recorded 3,642 cumulative cases and one death. NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of JN.1 with spike mutations but there’s no evidence it causes more severe illness. Covid-19 is treated as endemic; officials advise routine precautions, testing if symptomatic, and protecting vulnerable groups, especially during the monsoon season. Singapore’s spike is being monitored but hospitalizations remain manageable.












