BANGKOK - THE Thai Health Ministry has confirmed 80 new cases of swine flu, most of them students in the capital, Bangkok.

Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Prat Boonyavongvirot said on Sunday that 68 of the cases are primary and high school students and the rest are people who had come in contact with them. Dr Prat said none are in serious condition.

Dr Prat also said authorities are not recommending that schools be closed.

The ministry said 1,289 people have contracted swine flu in Thailand. Two have died and 20 remain hospitalised. -- AP