Dear friends of Thailand,
On Thursday, 30 January, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the People’s Republic of China, with exportations to other countries, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
With regards to the 2019-nCoV situation in Thailand, as of 31 January, 2020, the Ministry of Public Health has confirmed five new cases resulting in a total of 19 confirmed cases. Seven people have already returned home and the others remain admitted at hospitals for treatment.
According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health, the identified confirmed cases reflect that Thailand has an effective implementation on disease surveillance. The disease surveillance is flexible and ready to be applied along with the updated situation so that more cases can be detected and to further control the transmission of disease promptly.
In addition, the DDC has advised that according to the assessment from experts, the level that Thai people are at-risk for becoming infected with the 2019-nCoV is still low. However, Thailand will not let its guard down. Strict surveillance continues to be implemented, and the public is recommended to protect themselves from the disease by avoiding crowded places and contact with people who are coughing and sneezing. People should bring a mask when going outside of their residences, and frequently wash hands with soap and water or alcohol gel. If anyone has any symptoms including coughing, sneezing, sore throat and a runny nose, please wear a mask and seek medical treatment at a hospital immediately or contact the DDC Hotline 1422.
TAT would like to emphasise that the Thai tourism industry will do everything possible to strictly implement preventive measures and heighten active surveillance for all tourists in Thailand to protect all from being exposed to the virus. This is consistent with the policy of the Thai tourism industry to provide and maintain quality services.
In the meantime, Thailand’s events and festivals between now and March 2020, will take place as scheduled. Public transport, tourism establishments, attractions and shopping malls are open as usual.
TAT would like to remind all to strictly adhere to everyday hygienic habits, which can help prevent the spread of several viruses, especially when you are out and about enjoying travel experiences in Thailand.
The TAT’s offices in Thailand and around the world are ready to help and act as coordination centres for those people wanting any information updates on the 2019-nCov situation in Thailand.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn
Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Issued on 01 February, 2020 at 11.00 Hrs.
