The Education and Public Health ministries have been told to increase Covid-19 control measures in schools when students return to class later this month.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has asked the ministries to start preparing for the start of the new school semester next week.

"Covid-19 cases have been on the rise since the Songkran festival last month, and the numbers look set to increase as Thailand is about to enter the rainy season, which is also known as the start of the flu season," a government spokeswoman said.

To prevent cases from spiking, Gen Prayut asked the Education and Public Health ministries to bring back Covid measures at schools and other educational institutions.

However, on Friday the World Health Organisation announced that Covid-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency, effectively ending the three-year pandemic.

While the disease is no longer considered a major danger to public health, all members of the public are still advised to get a Covid-19 booster shot annually, especially those who are considered vulnerable to catching the disease, said a government spokesman.