Ebola Scare: Thailand Orders 21-Day Isolation for Arrivals From Congo, Uganda

Thailand has become the first country in the world to impose a mandatory 21-day quarantine on travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda following growing concerns over the worsening Ebola outbreak in both African countries.

Thai authorities announced that the new public health directive took effect on May 27 after approval by the country’s National Communicable Disease Committee. The decision followed the World Health Organisation’s declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern amid increasing cross-border risks linked to the outbreak.

According to Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC), the restrictions apply to all individuals who have travelled from or transited through DR Congo and Uganda within the last 21 days. Under the new guidelines, affected travellers will only be allowed entry through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and must undergo compulsory isolation at government-approved quarantine facilities, regardless of whether they show symptoms of the disease.

Thai officials explained that the measures are necessary because Ebola’s incubation period can last up to 21 days, making early containment critical to preventing community transmission.

The Southeast Asian nation stressed that the move was precautionary, noting that no Ebola case has been recorded within Thailand as of Wednesday. Health authorities disclosed that DR Congo has so far reported 867 suspected Ebola cases and 214 deaths, while Uganda has confirmed five infections and one fatality.

Travellers who violate the quarantine regulations could face strict penalties under Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act. Authorities warned that individuals who fail to disclose accurate travel histories may be fined up to 600 dollars, while anyone leaving isolation facilities without permission risks imprisonment of up to one year, fines reaching 3,000 dollars or both.

Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr Montien Kanasawat, appealed for public cooperation and transparency.

“We request the cooperation of all travelers to provide their truthful travel history in order to prevent and control the disease effectively,” he said.

He also assured residents that Thailand’s disease surveillance and emergency response systems remain fully prepared.

“Furthermore, we would like to assure the public of Thailand’s surveillance system, which is fully prepared in terms of personnel, medical supplies, and advanced laboratories,” he added.

The development signals growing international anxiety over the spread of Ebola beyond Central and East Africa, particularly as global travel and migration continue to increase.

Public health experts say Thailand’s decision could influence similar restrictions in other countries if the outbreak escalates further in the coming weeks.