These maladies could be an indication that people have MERS, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to give it its full name. The doctor says that thermal scanners have been installed at the various health control units on the Thai-Lao border to assist with the detection process.
The minister spoke while on a visit to the immigration checkpoint at Chong Mek near Ubon Ratchatani with Dr Somsak Chunharas, his assistant. The two said they were happy that Chong Mek was well prepared to deal with any suspected MERS cases and stop the spread of the disease into Thailand.
Dr Ratchatanawin said people entering Thailand from should expect to be quizzed on where they had been recently and specifically if they had visited South Korea. He added that anybody with any ailment resembling flu and who had been to South Korea would be sent to hospital straight away.
Thai Lao border checkpoints ordered to check for MERS
News in Asia
Thailand’s health minister has instructed officers working ay key immigration checkpoints on the Lao border to be on the lookout for MERS. Dr Ratchata Ratchatanawin says that health control officers are expected to ask travellers entering from Laos whether they have any symptoms of flu or fever.