The Prime Minister confirms Thailand has not found any cases of Nipah virus infection. The country is following the COVID-19 surveillance model by screening tourists from high-risk countries. He notes the virus spreads through bodily fluids and advises avoiding contact, eating hot food, sharing serving spoons, and washing hands frequently. He has ordered the Ministry of Public Health to provide official statements.
At 13:30 on 25 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about the outbreak of the Nipah virus in India, stating that the public health system has been prepared for surveillance and screening, using the model previously applied during the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. From reports received, he has asked the Ministry of Public Health to quickly inform the public to prevent undue concern, emphasizing that this disease spreads through bodily fluids, not airborne transmission. He advised the public that they can continue their daily lives while maintaining familiar hygiene practices: eat hot food, use shared serving spoons, and especially wash hands frequently. Since the Nipah virus spreads via saliva and nasal secretions, frequent handwashing and avoiding direct contact are important. If possible, people should avoid handshakes, using a fist bump instead, similar to practices during COVID-19.
The Prime Minister confirmed that, so far, there have been no cases in Thailand. He emphasized caution, noting the severity is less than during COVID-19 because that virus spread through the respiratory system and airborne droplets up to 2-3 meters, whereas the Nipah virus transmits through close contact, handshakes, and exposure to bodily fluids such as nasal mucus, saliva, or picking one’s teeth or nose. If a person touches their eyes after contact, the virus can enter the body and cause infection.
Anutin added that surveillance must be heightened since there is no treatment or vaccine yet. The virus can cause severe symptoms like encephalitis. He has asked the Ministry of Public Health to provide clarifications. Meanwhile, the public should continue normal life with caution. Regarding tourists from India, the Prime Minister said that travelers from high-risk countries will undergo enhanced screening.