The occurrence of
malaria epidemics in
Thailand was reviewed from the
malaria surveillance report of the National
Malaria Control Program. The
literature review revealed that the four
epidemic periods recorded during 1980-2000 almost always occurred in the provinces and districts located along international borders.
Malaria epidemics are caused by various factors such as extensive
population movement,
multi-drug resistance development, low immune status of the
population, lack of
knowledge and appropriate
personal protection against
mosquito biting, and the re-emergence of
malaria transmission in low malarious areas. Such factors can
lead to changes in the
parasite ratio and appearance of
malaria epidemics throughout the country. Evidence related to the burden of
malaria epidemics was also reviewed to identify causal factors that
will be helpful in
future research.