The Thai Ministry of Public Health has unveiled bleak pictures of three worst case scenarios in Thailand next year, if the COVID-19 Omicron variant spreads out of control while the population reduces their discipline over protecting themselves against the virus.

According to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr.Kiattibhoom Vongrachit, the Department of Disease Control, in the first scenario, in which the majority of the population do not strictly comply with universal preventive measures, it is projected that an average of 30,000 people will be infected by Omicron variant every day from March through July.

In the second scenario, in which the majority of the population do not lower their guard, the new Omicron infection rate is estimated at 10,000-15,000 cases a day during the five-month period, with the rate dropping to about 10,000 cases a day, if the majority of the people strictly follow preventive measures.

The third scenario is where the majority of the population strictly comply with preventative measures and the mass inoculation program for all age groups is intensified. In this case, the new Omicron infection rate is estimated to be 10,000 cases a day.

The death toll is projected to be 100-160 cases a day in all three scenarios.

Nationally, the COVID-19 Information Centre reported today that 2,437 new COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in the past 24 hours and 18 deaths. Cumulative infections, since April 1st this year, are 2,183,544, with 21,504 deaths. 34,436 patients are undergoing medical treatment in hospitals.