The True Story: Flu in Thailand in Early 2026

Pattaya Mail reported on 12 March 2026, citing the Department of Disease Control, that from 1 January to 9 March 2026 Thailand recorded 137,276 flu cases, an incidence of 211.48 per 100,000, and 8 deaths. Children aged 5 to 9 were most affected, and incidence was highest in Phayao, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Lamphun.

In 2025 there were 1,194,342 cases and 129 deaths. The Ministry of Public Health warned 2026 cases could exceed last year and rise with more social activities and travel, advising vaccination, handwashing, masks and avoiding crowds.

The Key Lesson: Festival Travel Carries Germs Nationwide

Bus terminals and coach operators in Thailand carry tens of thousands of passengers a day at Songkran and New Year, in sealed air-conditioned coaches for hours.

• Festivals are the risk window; the ministry warned about travel directly
• Air-conditioned coaches are closed rooms with passengers close for hours
• Passenger lounges get crowded while people wait
• Drivers and attendants meet many passengers
• School-age children are often ill and travel home during holidays

How Flu Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Bus Terminals and Coach Operators

1. Sick passengers spreading flu on coaches: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: Masks for symptomatic passengers and ozone after every trip. Owner: Operations manager
2. Crowded passenger lounges: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Wipe seats and fog outside peak hours. Owner: Terminal manager
3. Driver falls ill mid-route: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: Pre-departure checks and backup drivers. Owner: Operations
4. Contaminated terminal toilets: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Hourly disinfection during festivals. Owner: Housekeeping
5. Ticket counters: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: Wipe counters and promote online tickets. Owner: Sales

7 Steps to Prepare Terminals and Coaches for Festivals

1. Fog the terminal before the festival: lounges, toilets and platforms
2. Provide hand gel and masks at entrances and coach doors
3. Ozone-treat coaches after each trip before new passengers
4. Wipe seats, handrails and armrests every trip
5. Check drivers before every departure
6. Clean toilets and seats more often at busy times
7. Make announcements asking symptomatic passengers to wear masks

How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies

Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces

The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.

• Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
• No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
• Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
• Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
• Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can coaches be ozone-treated between trips? A: Yes, when empty, with ventilation before the next passengers board.

Q: How long must a terminal close for fogging? A: Fog zone by zone; areas are typically usable about 30 minutes later.

Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.

Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.

Q: Can a coach company get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Influenza information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet

Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The DDC warned 2026 flu could top last year, so terminals and coaches should prepare before festivals. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for passenger lounges, toilets and platforms, and the ozone treatment service for air-conditioned coaches and vans. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268