I know some PHP but wouldn't the thread count be in SQL maybe displays as Thread_IDs can't you just find that in the sql and have Hey forum we current have $x_threads how about that? but by setting up the sessions by yourself (or if they already have them set up)?
Try checking the forum statics code and look what code they are using for the x_amount of threads and try using that code, but again you might need to set the sessions up on the CMS.