In online forums and discussion platforms, the term "post" can refer to both the initial message that starts a thread and any subsequent comments or responses within the thread. Typically, the initial message is called the "original post" or "OP," which sets the topic or question for discussion. The responses that follow are also considered posts, but they may be referred to as "comments," "replies," or "follow-up posts."
So, to answer your question: yes, thread comments are counted as posts in the context of a discussion thread. Each contribution, whether it's the original thread starter or a reply within the thread, is generally considered a post.