The government spokesperson revealed that the Prime Minister has directed relevant agencies to monitor the Nipah virus infection situation closely and to strictly enforce passenger screening measures at airports.
On 27 January 2026, reporters reported that on 26 January, Siripong Angkasukrit, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, and related agencies to closely monitor and track the spread of Nipah virus infections after reports of five new cases and over 180 close contacts in West Bengal, India, earlier this week.
Siripong stated that currently there are no cases detected within Thailand. However, the Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to intensify surveillance and screening measures for travelers at international disease control checkpoints, especially at the three international airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and Phuket, to reassure citizens and tourists entering the country.
Siripong further emphasized that the Prime Minister prioritizes proactive disease surveillance and risk assessment, directing the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with related agencies and airports, to implement passenger screening measures for travelers arriving from India starting 25 January 2026, to monitor and prevent disease spread.
Additionally, Thailand’s public health system is being prepared with adequate personnel, medical supplies, and response protocols to handle a potential outbreak. Authorities are closely coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant international bodies to assess risks and appropriately enhance surveillance measures.
"Currently, Thailand has not detected any Nipah virus outbreaks or cases domestically. However, the government has instructed related agencies to continuously monitor travelers. If individuals show symptoms consistent with the disease, additional screening will be conducted at international disease control checkpoints, followed by immediate implementation of established protocols. Since there is no vaccine or treatment for this disease, the government urges the public to follow official updates and avoid contact with animal carriers or traveling to affected areas," he said.
Nipah virus infection is classified as a dangerous communicable disease under the 2015 Communicable Disease Act, requiring immediate reporting of suspected cases. It is a zoonotic disease primarily carried by bats and can spread between humans through contact with infectious bodily fluids such as blood and saliva. Patients often experience high fever, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and the disease has a high fatality rate of 40–75%, which is significantly higher than COVID-19.