Chiang Mai Airport has stepped up passenger screening measures by using thermo-scan devices to check temperatures, distributing health advisory cards, and coordinating with immigration to review travel histories, all to monitor "Nipah virus infection."
On 24 January 2026, Mr. Karn Thanakuljirapath, Director of Chiang Mai Airport, revealed that due to the ongoing Nipah virus outbreak in India, Chiang Mai Airport has collaborated with the International Disease Control Checkpoint to implement proactive measures similar to COVID-19 and MERS surveillance.
Key procedures include temperature screening of all international arriving passengers using thermo-scan devices, distributing Health Beware Cards to provide initial symptom information and contact details for officials if abnormalities are detected, and coordinating with immigration officers to intensify travel history checks for passengers arriving from or having recently traveled through outbreak areas in the past 14–21 days.
The airport director also stated that although Chiang Mai Airport currently has no direct flights from India, they remain vigilant since passengers may arrive via connecting flights from other countries. If anyone exhibits symptoms meeting the surveillance criteria—such as high fever, headache, or respiratory issues—the airport will activate its public health response plan to immediately refer them to network hospitals for treatment.
Chiang Mai Airport confirms its readiness in managing space and screening equipment to ensure that travel into Chiang Mai province proceeds smoothly and safely, adhering to international standards.