Visitors from high-risk countries to Thailand
Image credit: Thailand Medical News, Reuters
UPDATES:
4th March 2020: The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that visitors travelling from Singapore do not need to exercise self-quarantine
6th March 2020: Thailand has officially announced compulsory quarantine for 6 high-risk countries.
With numbers of COVID-19 cases rising to 43 with 1 death, the country is taking stricter measures against those travelling in and out of the country. Thailand also classifies COVID-19 now as a dangerous communicable disease.
Of the countries listed as high-risk are Singapore, which has about 1 million visitors travelling to Thailand each year. The 8 other countries are Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China (including Macau and Hong Kong), France, Germany, Italy, and Iran.
Deleted post by officials suggested mandatory self-quarantine
Visitors and residents returning from 9 high-risk countries were advised to implement a self-quarantine period for 2 weeks, reported The Straits Times.
Public Health Ministry spokesman Mr. Taweesilp Wisanuyotin said that visitors will also be required to present a valid address in Thailand during their stay, or risk getting deported back to where they travelled from.
However, confusion followed the situation after a similar announcement made by Thai Public Health Minister Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul was deleted without any clarifications.
The announcement on 9 countries targeted for 14-day isolation for all visitors has been deleted from the Facebook account of Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. #BangkokPost #Thailand #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/kkxDIhZOo2
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) March 3, 2020
It is also not known how authorities would be tracking down each visitor’s whereabouts.
Travel responsibly in Thailand
As of now, there have been no official government announcements regarding restrictions for visitors from the listed countries travelling in and out of Thailand.
However, travellers are still are advised to stay alert and take the necessary precautionary measures when in Thailand. This involves avoiding overly crowded spaces, wearing masks, and staying sanitised whenever possible.
All visitors and returnees are also expected to abide by the screening procedures at Thailand’s international airports.
In the event one finds themselves having a fever or other symptoms, they should visit a medical professional immediately.
Officials also urge locals and residents to put any travel plans on hold to minimise risks of catching and spreading the virus.
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