The government has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to closely monitor the Ebola virus disease, although no outbreaks have been detected in Thailand. It revealed that Ebola is a severe viral infection transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, but it does not spread as easily as COVID-19. The public is urged not to panic and remain calm.
On 20 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that following the World Health Organization's declaration of the Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as an international public health emergency, the government has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to closely monitor and watch the situation according to this announcement.
Ms. Ploytale stated that Ebola is a highly severe viral infectious disease transmitted through blood and bodily fluids of patients such as blood, saliva, vomit, stool, or other secretions, especially from severely ill patients. Transmission mostly occurs within families, healthcare workers, or those in close contact with patients and deceased bodies. It does not spread easily through the air like measles or COVID-19. Currently, there are no reports of Ebola outbreaks in Thailand. Early symptoms may resemble a common fever, including high fever, fatigue, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. Some cases may experience abnormal bleeding. Without proper care, the disease can become severe with a high fatality rate. However, since infected individuals usually show clear symptoms, contact tracing, isolation, and disease control are easier than with some airborne infections.
“The government has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to prepare treatment facilities, isolation rooms, personal protective equipment, and laboratory readiness to handle any suspected cases in the future. The public is advised to follow information from health authorities closely, avoid spreading panic-inducing misinformation, and consistently practice basic hygiene measures.”