BANGKOK, 21 June 2015 – Suvarnabhumi Airport has installed one more infrared Thermoscan camera at Concourse F, raising the number of the device to four. Authorities have also lowered the minimum temperature for intercepting MERS suspects from 37degrees Celsius to 36.5, for greater efficiency of the inspection, Public Health Minister Ratchata Ratchatanawin revealed.
The Minister, together with Tourism and Sport Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, inspected during the weekend the MERS surveilliance scheme at Concourse E and F which are now reserved for screening passengers from seven countries in risk of the deadly virus outbreak.
Mrs.Kobkarn said that despite one confirmed case in Thailand, no flight bookings have been cancelled. The case, she believed, would not have negative impact on tourism.
Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Sirote Duangratana said that the airport will get three new infrared thermal scanners on 26 June when the existing cameras’ locations will be adjusted to cover more passengers.
Cleaning staff are assigned to regularly clean every single place particularly restrooms, check-in counters, and taxi rank. Bottles of hand washing gel are provided at 200 points around the airport. Passengers and airport staff can get free face masks at the Information Counter.
Mr. Sirote said all flights heading to Thailand have also been requested to inform passengers of MERS surveilliance measures at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Flight attendants are requested to instantly inform the International Disease Control Checkpoint if they see passengers who have temperatures or suspicious signs of MERS.
He revealed that the 75-year-old foreign man who was confirmed as the first MERS case in Thailand is now in better condition. Three of his relatives who were in contact with him show no signs of MERS infection but they remain under control until the end of the 14-day quarantine order.
