The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) meets with the Department of Disease Control and related agencies to discuss practices and international measures to support the surveillance of Mpox (monkeypox) and increase measures for passengers from high-risk areas to register in the Thai Health Pass system.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) or CAAT announced that CAAT, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) from the Ministry of Public Health, has collaborated to discuss practices and international measures to support the surveillance of the Mpox (monkeypox) disease through an online system, along with airline operators, the medical department, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), the International Air Transport Association, Thai Ground Services Company Limited, and Phuket Airport to develop measures and guidelines for screening travelers from high-risk areas.
CAAT and the Department of Disease Control from the Ministry of Public Health have been monitoring the status of monkeypox since the situation began. The department has evaluated the risks
and has implemented measures according to the situation, as the transmission of the disease differs from the past, requiring appropriate control measures.
Initially, it was found that areas with a high number of infections overlap with areas affected by
Yellow Fever in Africa. Continuous checks for signs of monkeypox in passengers arriving on direct flights from these areas have been conducted.
To improve management efficiency, the department has added measures for airlines to request cooperation from passengers departing from high-risk areas to register in the Thai Health Pass system, which will include notification of the date and time of entry and exit from the country, facilitating follow-up and management in case infected individuals are detected. Passengers who have not registered before traveling can register at airports in Thailand as well.
Before starting the operation, CAAT and the Department of Disease Control conducted a briefing with all airlines at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket Airport on August 22, 2023. They will announce this to the remaining airlines on August 23. This measure will take immediate effect once announced, and the situation will be monitored with adjustments made as appropriate.
Emerging Trends in Global Health Surveillance and Travel Safety
The recent discussions led by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) concerning the Mpox virus (Monkeypox) reflect a significant shift in how the global community approaches public health risks associated with international travel. As outbreaks emerge, authorities are keen on establishing comprehensive surveillance measures that ensure the safety of both travelers and the general population.
One of the crucial developments is the integration of digital health systems, such as the Thai Health Pass, which requires travelers from high-risk areas to register their travel details. This trend signifies a move towards more technologically-advanced solutions in health monitoring, allowing for better tracking of potential virus exposures. Countries worldwide may adopt similar systems to gather important health data, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to new health threats.
Moreover, understanding the geographic spread of infectious diseases is crucial. The ongoing evaluation of risk areas, especially those showing high incidences of disease, underlines the need for data-driven decision-making in public health. Similar initiatives could soon be adopted globally, focusing on real-time risk assessment to tailor health responses more accurately based on emerging data.
Airlines and airports are also expected to play an increasingly vital role in health security. As demonstrated in Thailand, collaboration between government authorities and aviation stakeholders will likely become standard practice. This partnership is essential in developing protocols that protect passengers and staff while ensuring the smooth operation of air travel.
Furthermore, public awareness and education about emerging diseases like Mpox will likely escalate, leading to more informed travelers who are proactive about their health. With travel becoming more interconnected, the expectation will be for travelers to take responsibility for their actions and ensure they abide by health regulations set forth by authorities.
As we navigate a landscape of evolving health challenges, vigilance in international travel regulations, improved technology in health surveillance, and collaborative partnerships between various sectors will undoubtedly shape the future of global health security.