Bangkok, 25 February, 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide clarification regarding the latest move by the National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) to declare the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a dangerous contagious disease.
The declaration is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding public health, thus further reaffirming Thailand’s strong capacities and its very strict system of monitoring and containment of the disease. This does not mean that Thailand has entered the third phase of the outbreak.
The NCDC has made such decision to allow health authorities to effectively prevent and control the disease. In the event of an urgent necessity, it has the authority to close various locations and order patients or suspected patients to temporarily cease working.
What does this mean to tourists?
All tourism and travel activities are continuing as per usual with stringent health surveillance systems and stepped up hygiene measures in place.
What measures are in place for tourists?
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is continuing to implement strict surveillance at all points of entry including ground, sea and air. The Ministry is constantly following the situation and is adjusting the criteria for surveillance regularly to ensure maximum effectiveness in disease control.
All tourism-related businesses, both in the Thai public and private sectors across the Kingdom, have stepped up hygiene measures and are working together to combat the crisis.
TAT’s recommendations for tourists
All incoming visitors are advised to “travel safely” by practicing daily hygiene habits: frequently wash hands with water and soap or alcohol gel; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth; strictly comply with the recommendations of “eat cooked food, use serving spoons and wash hands”, and wear hygienic masks when in a crowded area.
While travelling, avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, avoid visiting crowded places, and wear a surgical mask if you have respiratory symptoms.
TAT would like to emphasize 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.
Tourists can keep up to date with the COVID-19 situation in Thailand at the TAT Newsroom (www.tatnews.org) and the Department of Disease Control (DDC) (https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php)
If any tourists become sick while travelling, do seek medical care early, or contact the Department of Disease Control Hotline 1422. For information and assistance relating to Thailand’s tourism, contact the TAT Contact Centre 1672 or the Tourist Police 1155.
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