Bangkok, 27 January, 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to affirm tourists and travellers in Thailand and around the world that Thai authorities are implementing strict measures to prevent the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the country.
Thailand is working with the World Health Organisation and other countries to further understand infections caused by this new coronavirus and to ensure that they are prevented and controlled so that travellers can travel worry-free around the world.
There is no outbreak of 2019-nCoV in Thailand
As of today, there are eight confirmed cases in Thailand. Five of them (four Chinese and a Thai) recovered and returned homes. The other three Chinese patients remain at medical facilities, and their conditions are improving.
So far, no one has died from 2019-nCoV pneumonia in Thailand.
Thailand has effective health surveillance systems for disease control
Thailand is implementing an intensive and unremitting screening and surveillance for 2019-nCoV especially at the international points of entry upon passenger arrival to Thailand. The screening cover passengers who departed from affected areas.
Thai public and private sectors step up hygiene measures
Airports, mass public transport including BTS Sky Train, shopping malls and hotels as well as public areas are stepping up hygiene measures, including extra cleaning and disinfection as well as providing hand sanitizers.
Tourism business operators to monitor for symptoms
For tourists and travellers in Thailand, tourism business operators are instructed to monitor for symptoms of their customers. If any traveller has symptoms including coughing, sneezing, panting or runny nose after arriving from risky areas, tourism business operators are to seek medical care at the hospital immediately and inform the doctor regarding the person’s history of recent travel to China.
How to reduce your risk of coronavirus infection
Tourists and travellers in Thailand are to take precautions as necessary to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. They can adhere by guidelines by the World Health Organisation or the following recommendations by the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health.
• Avoid staying in crowded areas while traveling, especially near people who are coughing or sneezing. If this is unavoidable, a mask should be worn.
• Avoiding close contact with live or dead animals and wild animals; avoid eating uncooked meat.
• Always wash hands with water and soap or alcohol gel.
• Do not touch eyes, nose, lips if not necessary.
• Keep your body temperature warm and get enough sleep.
• If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, or wheezing within 14 days of returning or travelling to Thailand, wear a mask and immediately go see a doctor or health officer. Notify the health provider of your travel history, due to the possibility of pneumonia complications and severe symptoms including death.
In conclusion, the TAT would like to affirm travellers and the international community that every effort has been made by Thai authorities to prevent the outbreak of 2019-nCov in Thailand.
For additional questions, please call the Department of Disease Control Hotline 1422 or the Tourist Police Hotline 1155.
