In a significant development affecting international travel, Thailand has implemented rigorous health screening measures specifically targeting passengers arriving from Kolkata, India. The Southeast Asian nation has introduced mandatory thermal screening and health declaration forms at its airports and land entry points for travelers coming from the West Bengal capital.
Thailand's Proactive Health Measures
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that these screening protocols are specifically designed to detect potential Nipah virus infections among arriving passengers. According to official data, more than 1,700 passengers arriving from Kolkata were screened through Tuesday morning, with no positive cases detected so far.
Travelers from Kolkata now face dedicated screening stations where they must undergo temperature checks and submit detailed health declaration forms. These measures come as part of Thailand's broader health security initiative, with Nepal and Taiwan implementing similar screening protocols at their entry points.
Kolkata Airport's Contrasting Position
In stark contrast to Thailand's proactive approach, Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport currently has no screening measures in place for departing passengers. Airport Director Vikram Singh confirmed this discrepancy, stating clearly: "There is no guideline from the health ministry, so we are not screening any passengers."
This lack of reciprocal screening measures at the point of departure has created an unusual situation where passengers face rigorous checks upon arrival in Thailand but no similar protocols when leaving Kolkata.
Travel Industry Expresses Growing Concern
The implementation of these screening measures has sent ripples of concern through India's travel industry, particularly affecting travel agencies and tour operators specializing in Thailand-bound tourism from Eastern India.
Anil Punjabi, Chairman (East) of the Travel Agents Federation of India, expressed the industry's apprehension: "There is no guideline but screening is making tourists panicky. The additional procedures and health declarations are creating anxiety among travelers and could potentially impact travel decisions to Thailand."
The travel industry fears that these measures, while important for public health, might discourage potential travelers and create unnecessary panic among tourists planning Thailand visits from Kolkata and surrounding regions.
Broader Regional Health Security Context
Thailand's decision to implement targeted screening for Kolkata arrivals reflects growing regional concern about infectious disease transmission through international travel corridors. The Nipah virus, which has caused outbreaks in parts of South Asia, remains a significant public health concern for countries in the region.
The coordinated approach by Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan suggests a regional consensus on implementing precautionary measures, even as individual countries like India maintain different protocols at their departure points.
This situation highlights the complex balance between maintaining public health security and ensuring smooth international travel operations, particularly for popular tourist destinations like Thailand that receive significant numbers of Indian visitors annually.
