Disease Control Department director general Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk revealed the figures this week to raise public awareness of diarrhoea.

The disease can obviously prove fatal in severe cases.

Jedsada warned that the risk of contracting diarrhoea increased during summer because weather conditions were conductive to germ growth.

“During the past week, most diarrhoea patients were children younger than five years of age,” he said.

Jedsada said people should wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after using toilets and prior to having a meal.

“It’s best to eat hot food and use a serving spoon when sharing meal with others,” he said.