Thailand is concerned and watching like the rest of the world the resent outbreaks of the swine flu virus H1N1. Having join with the other Southeast Asian governments and working together to fight any possible outbreaks in the region. This is a worldwide crises that could become pandemic.
The effects of bird flu and Sars are still being felt on the region and Thailand cannot afford further economic losses at this time, following the current political problems.
No cases swine flu have been confirmed here in Thailand or in Asia, four people are being tested in Hong Kong. WHO World Health Organization has issued a pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level. This phase 5 alert is the second highest level available and means they believes a global outbreak is imminent, advising all countries to activate pandemic preparation.
Swine flu cases have been confirmed in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Britain, Israel, New Zealand and Spain. The first death in the US was a child in Houston who had traveled to Mexico.
Because of air travel and the close confined area within planes the flu can be spread, rapidly around the world. Airline passengers were a major source the spread of SARS in 2003. Many wealthy Asian travelers, have turned to private jets to avoid he risk of swine flu exposure on commercial flights.
Asia Jet based in Hong Kong operates the largest private fleet of business jets in the region. They are reported a 40 rise in inquiries for private flights since the scare started. The cost of $5900 US Dollars per hour doesn’t seem to have a effect upon bookings.
All arriving passengers at Thai airports are required to be scanned by thermal scanner. A questionnaire is also given to the passengers asking if they had visited the affected countries. Thailand relies upon tourism, providing a large percentage of its economy. Anything effect tourism has a major effect on the economy. People need to feel like they are safe when traveling.
Another effect of the swine flu, even if it never reaches Thailand could be big a setback for Thailand’s pork export. Pork production is a large industry here and swine flu could cause a ban on pork products being imported to other countries and a overall reduction of pork consumption.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said “This is a signal to governments, ministries of health… to the pharmaceutical industry, that certain actions now should be undertaken with increased urgency,” she told journalists.
A meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations health ministers on swine flu will be held in Thailand. Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan welcomed the decision to hold the regional meeting, saying it would provide an opportunity to assess the situation and to coordinate a collective regional response to swine flu.
The health ministry has 300 surveillance and rapid response teams ready to monitor swine flu cases closely, and 50 isolation rooms in Bangkok hospitals to quarantine suspected cases.
It is hoped that the plans put in place will keep Thailand safe and that this outbreak will be limited and controlled before it can get to Thailand. It will have a effect upon travel and that is just another blow to the already damage economy of the Kingdom.
Tags: Siam Trading Post
[...] Thailand braces for swine flu, what effect will it have | Siam …No cases swine flu have been confirmed here in Thailand or in Asia, four people are being tested in Hong Kong. WHO World Health Organization has issued a pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level. … [...]
Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra will on Friday hand out 100,000 free face masks to taxi drivers and tourists in Bangkok in an effort to prevent swine flu from spreading to the Thai population, deputy governor Malinee Sukavejworakit said Thursday.
The gauze masks would be handed out to foreigners staying at guesthouses, she said. The Administration was also encouraging taxi drivers to wear face masks while driving passengers.
[...] siam placed an interesting blog post on Thailand braces for swine flu, what effect will it have | Siam …Here’s a brief overviewThailand is concerned and watching like the rest of the world the resent outbreaks of the swine flu virus H1N1. Having join with the other Southeast Asian. [...]
Hi, interesting post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for blogging. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site. Keep up the good posts
A pleasure to come to your site. Thnks very much!
Nice blog. I’ve added it to my favorites.