Bangkok: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has confirmed the discovery of a patient with Parrot's Fever, officially known as Psittacosis, in Thailand. The ministry urges the public to rely only on verified and official information to prevent the spread of misinformation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wethang Puangsap, spokesperson for the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, discussed the ongoing efforts by the Anti-Fake News Center of Thailand (AFNC) to monitor and address fake news. Under the direction of Mr. Chaiyanok Chidchob, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, the ministry is focused on tackling technology-related crime and misinformation.
As of January 31, 2026, AFNC detected 159,177 messages, with 7,734 requiring verification. Social Listening was the main channel for leads, contributing 7,733 messages, while Line contributed one message. Of these, 42 cases were investigated, and two received verification results from relevant agencies. Among the news stories, eight garnered significant public attention: five were true, two were fake, and one was distorted.
The verified report that Thailand has identified a patient with Psittacosis has been confirmed by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society in coordination with the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. The patient, who had underlying health conditions and a history of keeping birds in poorly ventilated areas, has since recovered.
Parrot fever is caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, which is found in various bird species. Humans can contract the disease by inhaling airborne droplets from dried droppings, feathers, or secretions of birds. Those in close contact with birds or poultry, such as bird keepers and veterinarians, are at higher risk. Symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough.
The Department of Disease Control advises avoiding contact with poultry or bird droppings and using protective equipment if contact is necessary. They recommend seeking medical attention for any unusual symptoms and informing healthcare providers about any contact with poultry for accurate diagnosis.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is concerned about the spread of fake news on online platforms and social media, which can cause misunderstandings and societal impacts. The public is urged to rely on information from official agencies and verify the facts before sharing news or website links.