Thailand Issues Nipah Virus High Alert: What Indian Travellers Must Know

 

Thailand Issues Nipah Virus High Alert: Complete Travel Update

If you’re traveling to Thailand soon — especially from India — there’s an important health advisory you should be aware of.

Thailand has officially moved to a High Alert status for the Nipah virus.

To be absolutely clear:

• There are no confirmed Nipah cases in Thailand

• There are no travel bans

• There are no flight restrictions

However, enhanced health screening has returned at major airports, and some procedures may feel familiar to travelers who remember pandemic-era checks.

Here’s exactly what’s happening, why the alert was issued, and how it affects your trip.

Why Thailand Issued a High Alert for Nipah Virus

As of late January 2026, Thai health authorities raised the alert level following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India.

Thailand remains case-free, and officials stress that this move is purely preventive.

The alert allows authorities to reactivate early-detection and monitoring systems that were developed and refined during COVID-19. While the screening process may look familiar, health experts emphasize that Nipah behaves very differently from COVID-19.

These measures follow advisories issued by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control.

What’s Happening at Thai Airports Right Now

Health surveillance has been stepped up at Thailand’s major international entry points, including:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)

• Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)

• Phuket International Airport

Passengers arriving from identified high-risk regions may receive additional attention from disease control teams.

This includes:

• Thermal temperature scanning

• Basic health assessments

For the vast majority of healthy travelers, arrival remains smooth. If you are not showing symptoms such as fever, you should clear immigration as usual.

Health Beware Cards: What Travellers Should Know

Some travelers from identified risk zones may be issued Health Beware Cards.

These are not movement restrictions. Instead, they are awareness tools requesting travelers to:

• Monitor their health for 21 days

• Seek medical care if symptoms appear

• Inform doctors about recent travel history

This is a simple tracking measure designed to protect public health, not limit tourism.

Travelers are also advised to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) carefully, ensuring accurate travel and health information.

Cave Tourism and Wildlife Advisories in Thailand

Beyond airports, Thai authorities have tightened guidance related to cave tourism and forested areas.

Because the Nipah virus is primarily associated with bats, visitors are advised to strictly follow the “Three Don’ts”:

• Do not hunt wildlife

• Do not forage in forests or caves

• Do not eat fruit that appears bitten or partially eaten

These advisories apply mainly to bat-heavy environments such as caves and dense forests. If your plans focus on city sightseeing, beaches, or resorts, your itinerary remains unaffected.

Thailand’s Hospital Preparedness Measures

Behind the scenes, Thailand’s healthcare system has been placed on standby readiness.

Major hospitals, including:

• Rajavithi Hospital

• Lerdsin Hospital

have been instructed to prepare:

• Isolation wards

• Rapid-response protocols

Authorities emphasize this is precautionary planning, not a response to an active outbreak inside the country.

Nipah Virus Symptoms Travellers Should Watch For

If you have recently traveled from an affected area or visited wildlife zones, be alert for symptoms such as:

• High fever and severe headache

• Muscle pain or sore throat

• Respiratory issues like cough or breathing difficulty

• In advanced cases, drowsiness or confusion

If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately and clearly explain your recent travel history.

Nipah vs COVID-19: Key Differences Travellers Must Understand

It’s important not to confuse this situation with COVID-19.

• Nipah is not airborne

• It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids

• Transmission is linked to infected animals or contaminated food

Basic hygiene remains helpful, but the most critical precaution is avoiding wildlife exposure and food that may have been contaminated, such as fruit bitten by bats.

Final Takeaway for Indian Travellers

Thailand remains open, safe, and welcoming for tourists.

There is:

• No ban on Indian travelers

• No suspension of flights

• No restrictions for healthy visitors

This High Alert is about early action and transparency, not panic.

Travel smart, stay informed, follow advisories, and enjoy your trip responsibly. Also Read: Bangkok Post