Daijiworld Media Network - Bangkok
Bangkok, May 25: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced enhanced Ebola virus disease screening measures for travellers arriving from identified high-risk regions, with the new rules coming into effect from May 21 across all international airports, land checkpoints and seaports in Thailand.
The screening measures apply to travellers who have recently visited, transited through or arrived from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and other affected regions reporting cross-border Ebola transmission within 21 days before entering Thailand.
The decision follows the World Health Organization declaring the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Under the new guidelines, foreign travellers from affected areas must register through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system before departure. Thai nationals arriving from these regions are required to complete registration through the Thai Health Pass during airline check-in.
Authorities have also advised travellers to carry a Fit to Fly medical certificate confirming they are not showing symptoms associated with Ebola virus disease.
Airlines operating flights to Thailand have been instructed to conduct pre-departure screening and submit passenger details to communicable disease control officials before arrival.
Upon entering Thailand, travellers from identified risk zones may undergo temperature checks, symptom screening and verification of travel history.
At present, asymptomatic travellers will not face mandatory quarantine. However, they must complete 21 days of self-monitoring and provide daily health updates to Thai health authorities.
Officials said travellers who develop symptoms such as high fever, vomiting or diarrhoea could be shifted to hospital isolation units for medical observation and laboratory testing.
Thai authorities have also advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries and urged those who must travel to register with the Royal Thai Embassy in their destination country and comply with local health protocols.
The measures will remain in force until further directions are issued by Thai health authorities and the World Health Organization.