Thailand is entering the third wave of COVID-19 infections, with the disease spreading widely and most of those infected asymptomatic. By the time symptoms start, they will become very sick and have to be admitted for treatment, according to Professor Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, head of the Center for Emerging Disease Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University in his Facebook post today.

He cited the drive-through COVID-19 screening, being conducted by the Ramkhamhaeng Hospital since April 1st, which shows that about 9% of those tested were infected, adding that most of the infected had visited entertainment venues.

Dr. Thiravat said that venues, such as pubs and bars, are ideal for spreading COVID-19 because most visitors do not practice self-discipline, do not observe social distancing and tend to spend long hours in the crammed space, which often has poor ventilation.

Public buses are also ideal for the spread of the virus, as most asymptomatic cases do not know they are infected and, hence, do not take COVID-19 tests.