China’s mosquito war and what it means for Thailand: the latest on chikungunya as cases surge worldwide
China’s aggressive response to a fast-moving chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong province — from drone patrols and fines for standing water to reports of enforced isolation — has drawn international attention, and with good reason. The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is causing large outbreaks across several continents in 2025, with global case counts in the hundreds of thousands and new local transmission reported in places as far afield as Europe and the Americas. Although chikungunya is rarely fatal, its abrupt, debilitating joint pain, potential for long-lasting disability, and the presence of competent mosquito vectors across Southeast Asia make the disease an urgent public-health concern for Thailand’s health authorities, travellers and communities who depend on tourism. Recent official updates, scientific guidance and media investigations together outline the scope of the current epidemic, the tools available to fight it, and practical steps Thai readers should take now to reduce risk at home and when travelling. (Sources: WHO fact sheet; ECDC situation updates; NPR reporting; LADbible coverage) WHO, ECDC, NPR, LADbible.