Covid-19-related deaths declined last week as the dominant strain is neither more transmissible nor more severe, according to the Public Health Department.
Permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong said on Monday there were 42 fatalities related to Covid-19 last week, down from 64 deaths the previous week.
"The [fatality] rate is starting to fall," he said.
Most of the deaths were elderly people, those with underlying illnesses and pregnant women.
Deaths resulted from lung inflammation, respiratory failure and complications, including those related to chronic kidney disease.
"Most of them had not sought the vaccination advised by the health ministry. Some people had fears of side effects," Dr Opas said.
"Vaccines reduce symptoms and fatalities. Young family members should take their elders for vaccination. However, sometimes it turns out that the children and grandchildren are the people afraid of side effects," he said while recommending annual Covid-19 inoculation.
Dr Opas said that the XBB.1.16 strain was spreading in Thailand, but it was neither more transmissible nor more severe than other strains.
He said Covid-19 infections were rising more in Bangkok than in other provinces.
Most cases now were asymptomatic because of vaccination. A survey found that 90% of Thai people had Covid-19 antibodies from vaccination or infection, Dr Opas said.
"It may now be similar to other respiratory diseases which evolve. After infection, people have antibodies, and the disease tries to adapt for co-existence," the public health permanent secretary said.
"It is a time of balance between humans and the disease."
He said there was no shortage of hospital beds for Covid-19 inpatients. The bed occupancy rate for Covid-19 patients nationwide was 22%.
