BANGKOK, 16 June 2015 – The Department of Disease Control has invited agencies in the tourism sector to discuss the prevention of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and has issued travel guidelines for citizens traveling abroad.
The Secretary-General of the Disease Control Department Sophon Mekthon noted the large number of Thai Muslims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Mr Sophon urged those traveling abroad to adhere to the department’s guidelines of disease prevention.
The guidelines urge travelers to refrain from drinking camel milk or coming into contact with wild animals and humans with respiratory illnesses, and to adhere to local health regulations and seek medical attention immediately after returning from high-risk areas.
Mr Sophon said his department will take preventive measures by vaccinating those who will undertake the pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has revealed that a number of Thai travelers have canceled their planned trips to South Korea. However, South Korean tourists will continue to travel to Thailand as usual. The ATTA has therefore called on related tour companies to strictly screen their incoming customers.
