Objective To summarize the progress of the application of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods The relevant literatures of thyroid nodules treated by ultrasound-guided thermal ablation were reviewed by adopting the methods of literature review. Results In conditions of grasping the therapeutic indication strictly and evaluating preoperative various aspects sufficiently, it reveals a certain feasibility and validity applying ultrasound-guided thermal ablation in the treatment of PTMC classified in the low-risk group. Conclutions Possessing the advantages of minimal invasive techniques, low-risks, beauty and rapidness, ultrasound-guided thermal ablation might be recommended as an alternative to a low-risk PTMC patient who is at high risk in general anaesthesia operation or intolerant to open operation.