BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has stepped up screening of travelers from high-risk areas following the Royal Gazette publication designating the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda as areas affected by Ebola virus disease. The measure took effect on May 21 after World Health Organization monitoring indicated rising infections and fatalities, as well as the risk of cross-border transmission. Authorities have instructed relevant agencies to increase surveillance and closely monitor the situation to maintain public confidence in the health system. The Ministry of Public Health, through the Department of Disease Control, has intensified screening procedures for travelers arriving from affected areas at international entry points.
According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswivattana, travelers from these areas are required to register in advance through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system for foreign nationals and the Thai Health Pass system for Thai nationals. Health checks include temperature screening, symptom assessment, medical history review, and follow-up monitoring for 21 days after arrival. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand is coordinating with the Ministry of Public Health, airlines, and related agencies to improve public health measures in air travel. These include providing health guidance before departure, screening passengers at the point of origin, and sharing data with disease control officials for timely response. (NNT)
