Thailand announced on Wednesday the country's three more confirmed cases of the A/H1N1 flu patients to totally 16, according to Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai.

The 10th and 15th cases are both Thai men, who returned from the United States on June 7 and developed the flu symptoms, he said, adding that both are 20 years old and have been admitted to hospitals since June 8.

As the 10th patient is now back to normal, the 15th case has still been treated at the hospital, Witthaya said.

There are two persons, who stayed close to the 15th patient and they have been closely monitored by the ministry's medical officials, said Witthaya.

The Minister, however, did not clarify if the two men returned from the United States on the same flight.

For the 16th case, it is a Thai boy, 11, who has developed the flu symptoms since June 6, but has no overseas trip history, Witthaya said.

The 16th patient has remained treated at a hospital, the Minister added.

Meanwhile, a medical team is now investigating the origin of his infection of the A/H1N1 influenza virus, said Witthaya.

On May 12, the Public Health Ministry announced the country's first two confirmed A/H1N1 flu cases and by this 10th of June the country has totally 16 confirmed A/H1N1 flu patients.

According to the World Health Organization, Thailand ranked 33rd as the country, which has been hit by the deadly new virus.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2009)