Thailand Intensifies Screening of Travelers from Congo and Uganda Over Ebola Outbreak
Thailand has designated Congo and Uganda as dangerous disease zones for Ebola and strengthened screening of all travelers from these countries at airports and border checkpoints, including temperature checks and 21-day health monitoring upo
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Permsuwativat announced on May 22 that the Ministry of Public Health has published an official proclamation designating the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as dangerous communicable disease zones for Ebola Virus Disease, effective May 21, 2025 onwards. This action aligns with the World Health Organization's classification of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following reports of numerous infections and deaths with potential for international spread.
Lalida stated that the government has instructed relevant agencies to escalate surveillance and monitoring measures to assure the public of health security. The Department of Disease Control has strengthened screening procedures for travelers from high-risk countries at all international entry and exit points.
Travelers from outbreak areas must pre-register through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system for foreigners and the Thai Health Pass system at https://thaihealthpass.com for Thai nationals, and undergo health screening including temperature checks, symptom assessment, and medical history review. They will be monitored for 21 days following arrival.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health, airlines, and relevant agencies to enhance aviation health measures through three key initiatives: public health communication to passengers before travel, passenger screening at departure, and verification of registration data and symptom assessment to support disease control officials in tracking and monitoring.
Relevant agencies have also conducted emergency response drills for suspected cases, both those detected on aircraft and those showing symptoms after entering the country, to ensure rapid and efficient crisis management. "The government confirms the readiness of Thailand's health system to monitor, prevent, and control dangerous infectious diseases through close inter-agency coordination to ensure public safety and confidence," Lalida stated, urging the public to follow official government health guidance without panic.
