The Real Numbers Through 2026

In late January 2026, DDC Director-General Dr. Montien Kanasawat said Thailand had recorded 9 confirmed mpox cases between 1 and 21 January 2026, and that the overall situation was not severe, under control and without widespread outbreaks. Source: PPTV, 31 Jan 2026

By 3 November 2026, the DDC reported that from the start of the year to 31 October, Thailand had recorded 470 cases and 3 deaths. Source: Hfocus, 3 Nov 2026

These figures do not mean there has been a major outbreak in shopping malls. They show that cases have kept occurring all year, and that patients lead normal lives before they get a result, including walking around malls, shopping and trying on clothes.

Why Malls and Clothing Stores Should Pay Attention

The DDC says mpox spreads through close contact and clothing, towels and items contaminated with bodily fluids or scabs. Source: Bangkok Biznews, 3 Nov 2026

In malls and retail stores, several points match those routes:

• Fitting rooms, where clothes are tried on by many customers a day.
• Escalator handrails, lift buttons and glass doors.
• Restrooms: taps, flush buttons and hand dryers.
• Trolleys and baskets.
• Self-checkouts, touchscreens and card terminals.
• Children's play zones and seating areas.

Year-End Is the Busiest Time

November to January brings sales, festivals and tourism, with large numbers of Thai and international shoppers. Throughout the year, the DDC has stressed stronger surveillance in tourist areas. Source: The Nation, 19 May 2026

The Business Risks

• Social media rumours that a case was found in the mall, which can empty it even if untrue.
• Clothing store staff folding garments customers have tried on all day.
• Cleaning staff working with restrooms and waste.
• Tenants asking the mall what measures are in place.

Good Practice for Malls and Stores

1. Increase wiping of high-touch points: escalator rails, lift buttons and doors, using a product labeled to kill viruses and its full contact time.
2. Disinfect restrooms on every cleaning round, using wet methods instead of dry sweeping, as the US CDC advises. Source: US CDC
3. Fitting rooms: wipe benches, hooks and door handles on a schedule.
4. Clothing store staff wash hands often after handling tried-on garments.
5. Alcohol gel stations at entrances, lifts and fitting rooms.
6. Polite information signs with the DDC hotline 1422.
7. Disinfect common areas after closing on a schedule, especially before festive periods.

Why Malls and Retailers Choose Chemgene and WHD's Service

The mpox virus is an enveloped virus, the type that suitable disinfectants can inactivate when used correctly and given the full contact time.

World Health Disinfection provides spraying with CHEMGENE HLD4H, a concentrated disinfectant imported from the United Kingdom. According to our service page, the product references testing to the European standard EN 14476, and we have served shopping malls and public areas. See the disinfection service

Ten reasons it suits malls and retailers:

1. Treatment after closing, without affecting shoppers or tenants.
2. Normal opening. Under our service process, areas can be used about 30 minutes after spraying.
3. Covers very large areas with ULV equipment.
4. European-standard disinfectant, referencing EN 14476 per product information.
5. Covers restrooms, lifts, escalators, play zones and food courts.
6. Suitable around electronics such as touchscreens and checkouts, as stated on our service page.
7. Supports tenant stores, including clothing shops and fitting rooms.
8. A measure you can communicate to shoppers.
9. Tax invoices and 3% withholding tax for juristic persons.
10. More than five years of experience.

Before and After

Before

• The same cleaning schedule, even as crowds grow.
• No disinfection rounds for fitting rooms.
• Staff unsure what extra steps to take.
• Social media rumours worry management.

After

• More frequent disinfection of high-touch points during festivals.
• Clear disinfection rounds for fitting rooms and restrooms.
• Common areas disinfected after closing.
• Measures that answer shoppers' questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tried-on clothes a risk? The DDC lists clothing as one route, but close contact is the main one. Stores should have staff wash hands often and wipe fitting rooms on a schedule.

Does the mall need to close for spraying? No. Spraying can take place after closing, with about 30 minutes before use under our service process.

What if there is a rumour that a case was found in the mall? Communicate with facts, explain your measures, and work with health officials when there is confirmed information.

How often should we spray? Increase rounds during crowded festive periods, for example before and during the festival.

Sources and Related Links

• WHD disinfection spraying service
• Chemgene disinfectants
• World Health Disinfection homepage
• PPTV: 9 cases in January 2026
• Hfocus: Thailand's 2026 mpox figures

Prepare Before the Season, Not After the Rumour

From 9 cases early in the year to 470 by October, Thailand's real 2026 figures show mpox is still close to home. Malls and stores that prepare disinfection before the year-end shopping season protect their shoppers, staff and tenants.

World Health Disinfection provides CHEMGENE HLD4H disinfection for department stores, shopping centres, supermarkets and clothing stores.

Call 065-556-6294 or add LINE @whd268 for a quotation.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268