BANGKOK, 18 October 2014 – Even though no Ebola infections have been found in Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has encouraged all to carry on with preemptive measures, insisting that the situation is not to be underestimated.
In his statement on television, Gen Prayut spoke of the Ebola outbreak that had claimed many lives around the world, saying all concerned units in Thailand had been well prepared to prevent and contain the spread of the deadly disease in the Kingdom should an infection be detected. He confirmed that no infected persons had been reported so far in the country and the authorities would continue to be watchful for travelers with suspicious symptoms at airports.
As a preparation, the Prime Minister revealed that about 5,000 sets of protective gear and apparatus had been acquired and distributed to health professionals in various parts of the country while over 29,000 more sets were in the procurement process. He said it was vital to have all equipment as well as personnel, strategy and knowledge base ready in case an outbreak occurred.
In terms of humanitarian aid for Ebola-affected countries in West Africa, Gen Prayut admitted Thailand was not yet ready to send its medical staff to the region. Nonetheless, he called on the Thai people to contribute to the relief effort by donating money or necessities.
