Dr. Jade Boonyawongwiroj, assistant director of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, described the influenza outbreak in Japan as "severe", with an average of 66,132 new cases reported daily over the past 144 days, according to Nation Thailand.
He stressed several areas in Tokyo have high infection rates, with some hospitals refusing to admit patients unless they are in serious condition.
Previously, medical experts in Hong Kong also warned individuals with chronic health conditions to avoid traveling to areas experiencing surges in flu cases, the South China Morning Post reported.
Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that from Sept. 2, 2024, to Jan. 26, 2025, the country recorded approximately 9.52 million flu cases, according to data released on Jan. 31.
Barbie Hsu, 49, also known as Big S, passed away on Sunday while vacationing in Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Her cremation ceremony took place in Japan, and her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, is expected to bring her ashes back to Taiwan on Feb. 6, according to TVBS.
Thailand ranked sixth among the top 10 countries for foreign arrivals in Japan, with over 1 million Thai travelers visiting the country last year.