Thailand has detected no presence of the Nipah virus and has implemented stringent prevention and screening protocols for international arrivals, said Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, on Monday (January 26).
She noted that the ministry has coordinated with the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Immigration Bureau to establish surveillance, screening, and quarantine guidelines aligned with international standards at communicable disease control checkpoints and all airports.
The permanent secretary said she had been informed by the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health that no Nipah virus cases have been identified in Thailand and that there is no indication of local transmission.
According to the Department of Disease Control, passenger screening has been intensified for travellers arriving from countries or areas classified as high risk.
Measures include epidemiological surveillance, temperature checks, travel and symptom interviews, as well as isolation and immediate referral of suspected cases into the public health system in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR).
The Department of Disease Control explained that the Nipah virus is a severe communicable disease capable of spreading from animals to humans and, in certain cases, between people, underscoring the need for close monitoring.
Thailand, the department added, possesses laboratory capacity, a disease investigation framework, and a nationwide surveillance network capable of diagnosing and containing the disease swiftly should suspected cases arise.
Natthriya further said that, within the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working closely with the Ministry of Public Health and border security agencies to strengthen health and safety measures for both tourists and the general public. S
She added that the ministry is also ensuring the continuous dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information to operators and travellers.
“I would like to confirm that Thailand has strict measures to prevent and monitor transmission from international travellers, to ensure there will be no spread of the Nipah virus in Thailand.”
“I would also like to reassure tourists that travelling in Thailand remains highly safe, supported by a strong public health system that meets international standards,” the permanent secretary said.
She also urged tourists and the public to cooperate by following official information, refraining from sharing unverified reports, and seeking medical care promptly if symptoms develop after travelling abroad, while informing healthcare providers of their travel history to enable effective treatment and disease control.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reaffirmed that it will continue to work in close coordination with all relevant agencies to protect tourists’ health and safety and to maintain confidence in Thailand as a world-class tourism destination.
