diff --git a/server/client.go b/server/client.go
index b55d467c432..ce9edb57811 100644
--- a/server/client.go
+++ b/server/client.go
@@ -1307,8 +1307,10 @@ func (c *client) readLoop(pre []byte) {
 		c.mu.Lock()
 
 		// Activity based on interest changes or data/msgs.
+		// Also update last receive activity for ping sender
 		if c.in.msgs > 0 || c.in.subs > 0 {
 			c.last = last
+			c.ping.last = last
 		}
 
 		if n >= cap(b) {
@@ -4568,10 +4570,10 @@ func (c *client) processPingTimer() {
 	if c.kind == ROUTER || c.kind == GATEWAY || c.isSpokeLeafNode() {
 		sendPing = true
 	} else {
-		// If we received a ping from the other side within the PingInterval then
-		// there is no need to send a ping.
+		// If we received client data or a ping from the other side within the PingInterval,
+		// then there is no need to send a ping.
 		if delta := now.Sub(c.ping.last); delta < pingInterval && !needRTT {
-			c.Debugf("Delaying PING due to remote ping %v ago", delta.Round(time.Second))
+			c.Debugf("Delaying PING due to remote client data or ping %v ago", delta.Round(time.Second))
 		} else {
 			sendPing = true
 		}