Tropical heat: can coronavirus from Thailand come to Russia
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which infected Russian tourists in Thailand, may enter our country against the background of a high tourist flow, virologists believe. The day before, it became known about five infected Russians at the resort. At the same time, the kingdom's authorities deny reports of an abnormal spread of the disease. Currently, one of the subtypes of omicron is operating there, which in most cases occurs in a mild form. However, the circulation of the virus between different countries creates conditions for the appearance of new mutations. In Russia, meanwhile, doctors expect a seasonal increase in the incidence of COVID-19.
Coronavirus from Thailand
The coronavirus variant currently circulating in Thailand will be in Russia within the next few days or weeks at the most due to the large number of Russian tourists, said Albert Rizvanov, head of the Personalized Medicine Center of Excellence at Kazan Federal University.
— For the Russian Federation, the question is not when this strain will arrive. With the current volume of international travel, viruses practically do not know national borders. Thailand is a very popular destination among Russian tourists. Therefore, individual imported cases can appear literally within days or weeks. However, the import of the virus does not mean a new major wave yet — everything will depend on how much this option is able to compete with the lines already circulating in the Russian Federation and overcome the immune defenses of the population," the specialist told Izvestia.
According to available data, the outbreak in Thailand is associated with the circulation of modern variants of omicron. They are able to spread effectively and partially evade the already formed immunity, but there is currently no convincing evidence that the disease has become more severe or fatal, the scientist added.
The day before, it became known that five Russian tourists had contracted COVID-19 in Phuket. The disease is accompanied by high fever and body aches. In total, almost 100 thousand cases of infection were registered in Thailand in eight months of 2026. Reports of an abnormal spread of infection with severe symptoms appeared on social networks, but the Department for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health of the kingdom denied them.
"Data for the period from January 1 to August 31, 2026 indicate 99,691 cases of coronavirus infection in Thailand with 15 reported deaths, which is 0.02% of the total number of cases. For comparison, the total annual number of cases in the previous two to three years ranged from 600,000 to 700,000," the ministry said in a statement.
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reported that there have been no mass appeals from Russian tourists vacationing in Thailand regarding coronavirus infection.
"According to the largest insurance companies, there is no surge in tourists' requests to doctors for insurance policies in the kingdom in connection with COVID—19," they said.
The possibility of SARS-CoV-2 entering Russia from Thailand is a matter of concern. However, there is no reason to expect a new pandemic, says Elena Malinnikova, Head of the Department of Virology at the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education at the Russian Ministry of Health.
— The genetic background has not changed yet. Alertness about this danger is very high. We already have test systems in place to detect the virus, which did not exist in 2019. New vaccines are being developed that can be quickly upgraded if a new genetic variant of the virus becomes available. In addition, a significant part of the population has preserved both immune memory cells and cross—immunity," the specialist said.
At the same time, according to her, a seasonal increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection can be expected in the near future.
The same omicron
Omicron NB remains the most widespread strain in Thailand since 2025.1.8.1. It usually does not cause severe symptoms. According to Rospotrebnadzor, it was first detected in Russia in May 2025. However, during this time, the virus in Southeast Asia could have changed significantly.
— The more people from different regions with different immune systems come into contact with the virus, the higher the rate of its changes. In the new conditions, it adapts in different ways, and the most unusual variants for a particular population will survive. The same thing happens with the flu: it spreads to remote regions, and then returns already changed. However, to understand exactly how NB has changed.1.8.1, it needs to be sequenced,— said immunologist Mikhail Bolkov.
According to Andrey Prodeus, chief pediatric allergist and immunologist at the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, the likelihood that the omicron variant from Thailand will turn out to be particularly dangerous is extremely low.
— They will still be watching him. Rospotrebnadzor is closely monitoring this. The virus will be sequenced immediately, and then everything will become clear. Coronaviruses are circulating in the human population and will not disappear anywhere. If the option has been present in the region for a long time and has not led to serious consequences, then there is no reason for us to worry," he said.
According to him, 100,000 cases in nine months is not such a high figure for one of the most densely populated countries.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
