Is it safe to travel to Thailand?

There is currently an ongoing outbreak of the SARS-like coronavirus in certain parts of the globe, with confirmed cases of the virus in Thailand.

Latest figures from the National Health Commission show that the virus has killed 636 people and infected 31,161 in mainland China.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand? Here’s everything you need to know about the current travel advice.

What is the coronavirus?

The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, but cases have now been confirmed in other parts of China and numerous countries around the globe, including Thailand.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that they usually cause “mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives.

“These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time.”

Symptoms may include:

However, human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia, bronchitis or more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Is it safe to travel to Thailand?

With the virus having been found in China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and outside of Asia, guidance has been issued regarding safe travel.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against “all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak.

“The British Consulate General in Wuhan city is currently closed. If you’re in Hubei Province and able to leave, you should do so.”

Gov.uk adds “The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).

“The Chinese government continues to impose further restrictions on movement within China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. These restrictions include the closure of some provincial highways and inter-city high speed rail, tight control on entry and exit to villages and townships across the country, and restrictions on movement within some cities and municipalities including Chongqing.

“Some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have announced a suspension of flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder to access departure options over the coming weeks.

“Since 31 January, some staff and dependants from the British Embassy and Consulates are being withdrawn from China. Essential staff needed to continue critical work – including consular assistance – will remain. But the ability of the British Embassy and Consulates to provide assistance to British nationals from within China is limited, and would be even more limited in the event that the situation deteriorates further.”

When it comes to travelling to Thailand, the FCO has not issued a warning against travel to Thailand relating to the coronavirus outbreak, but Gov.uk has said: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and the region, including Thailand. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.”

However, previous advice relating to travel to certain areas of Thailand due to safety concerns still stands.

The FCO “advise against all but essential travel to areas within the provinces on the Thailand-Malaysia border, including:

In regards to guidance for the detection of the Coronovirus, Gov.uk explained, “The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued clinical guidance for the detection and diagnosis of Wuhan Novel Coronavirus and PHE has developed a diagnostic test, making the UK one of the first countries outside China to have a prototype specific laboratory test for this novel disease.”

‘Seek medical attention’

Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, Public Health England, said, “This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily.

“Based on the available evidence, the current risk to the UK is considered low. We are working with the WHO and other international partners, have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.

“Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK. They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to the city.”

Public Health England explains that if you have returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days, you should:

Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said: