NONG KHAI, 5 June 2015 – The Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge Border Crossing is now screening Korean nationals passing through the border in an effort to prevent the spread of MERS-CoV virus in Thailand.
Officials at the Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge Border Crossing and the Health Control officials in Nong Khai province has tightened screaming measures for people crossing the Thailand-Laos border, especially for Korean nationals who work or have families in Laos.
Nong Khai Health Control official Somchit Phanthupho has said that the health control office is now working with immigration officials at the Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge border post to retain all travelers from countries where MERS CoV virus have been reported, including South Korea, to receive medical screenings for any suspicious symptoms and to register for their contact information during their stay in Thailand for a 14 day precautionary period.
He has said that there are about 50-80 Korean nationals passing through the Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge border post daily, while the only Korean living in Laos, who had been identified as a potential risk has already returned to Laos. Authority will continue to monitor all individuals at risk in Thailand.
Flyers and PR signs has been put up and distributed to those who have the potential to contract the virus to monitor their own symptoms including fever, coughing, asthma, or diarrhea. If any signs exhibit, the individuals are required to seek immediate medical attention.
Nong Khai Immigration Police Inspector Pol Lt Col Kantapoj Chaemprangthong has said that the Nong Khai Immigration Police Commander has appointed immigration officials to inspect all persons and vehicles passing through the border post as a precautionary measure.
He has said that all Korean nationals passing through the border post into Thailand will be referred to the Nong Khai Health Control office for further inspection, while no suspects of MERS CoV patients have been found, and officials have received good cooperation from the travelers.
Most Koreans passing through the Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge border post are here to do business or have families in Laos PDR. However, no travelers who came directly from Korea has been inspected during this time.
