Thai health authorities have intensified disease control measures at major international airports following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in parts of India. Enhanced screening is now being carried out at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports, with particular focus on passengers arriving from West Bengal, a region identified as having confirmed cases of the potentially fatal virus.
Officials from the Department of Disease Control have deployed international communicable disease officers to monitor inbound travellers more closely. Measures include temperature screening and on-site medical assessments for anyone showing signs of illness. Passengers found to have high fever or symptoms consistent with Nipah infection may be transferred to designated quarantine facilities for further evaluation in line with national public health protocols.
As part of the precautionary approach, travellers from West Bengal are being issued Health Beware Cards upon arrival. These cards outline key symptoms to watch for and provide clear instructions on what to do if illness develops after entry into Thailand. Authorities stressed that these steps are preventive and aimed at protecting public health rather than restricting travel unnecessarily.
Heightened Health Advisory for Travelers to India
Alongside airport measures, a travel advisory has been issued for Thai citizens planning trips to India, whether for tourism, business, or religious pilgrimage. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed through official health updates, avoid known outbreak areas unless essential, and practise strict personal hygiene during their stay.
The Nipah virus is known to cause a range of symptoms, including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, coughing, breathing difficulties, confusion and, in severe cases, seizures. Health experts note that symptoms may develop several days after exposure, making post-travel monitoring especially important. Anyone who begins to feel unwell within 21 days of returning to Thailand is urged to seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers of their recent travel history.
The Department of Disease Control has also made its public health hotline available for enquiries and symptom reporting. Travellers can contact the hotline daily or use digital reporting tools provided on the Health Beware Cards. This approach supports early detection and rapid response, which are crucial in managing infectious disease risks in a global travel environment.
Precautions Emphasised to Reduce Infection Risk
Health authorities have advised travellers to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of infection. These include avoiding contact with animals known to carry or transmit the virus, such as bats and pigs, and maintaining high standards of food hygiene. Fruits should be washed thoroughly before consumption, and hands should be cleaned with soap after handling animals, raw meat or animal products.
For travellers returning from India, any combination of fever, fatigue, cough or neurological symptoms should be treated seriously. Early medical intervention not only improves outcomes but also helps prevent potential community transmission. The latest measures underline Thailand’s continued focus on aviation health security, international travel safety, and proactive disease prevention.
As regional and international travel continues to rebound, public health officials reiterated that vigilance at airports and responsible behaviour by travellers remain key to safeguarding both residents and visitors. Enhanced screening, clear travel advisories and accessible medical support form part of Thailand’s broader commitment to maintaining confidence in its transport hubs and tourism sector.