Thailand has become the first country to impose a mandatory 21-day quarantine on travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda after authorities raised disease control measures over the Ebola outbreak in Africa. The new rules came into effect from 6 p.m. local time on May 27, 2026, following approval by Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said the measures apply to people who have traveled from or passed through the two African nations within the past 21 days. Thailand has not reported any Ebola infections so far, but health officials said the move was necessary because Ebola is a highly severe disease with an incubation period of up to 21 days.
Speaking after the committee meeting, DDC Director-General Dr. Montien Kanasawat said the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). He said the outbreak mainly involves the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to Thai health authorities, Congo has reported 867 suspected Ebola cases and 214 deaths, while Uganda has confirmed five infections and one death. Officials said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Dr. Montien said the committee approved stronger legal measures by changing the approach from “surveillance” to mandatory quarantine and isolation. Under the new guidelines, travelers without symptoms will be placed under quarantine at facilities designated by communicable disease control officers for at least 21 days. Travelers showing symptoms will be isolated at state medical facilities for treatment and further monitoring.
The DDC has also proposed that travelers arriving from or transiting through Congo and Uganda be allowed to enter Thailand only through Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Thai authorities said quarantine facilities have been prepared for travelers entering the country from May 27 onwards. Officials added that the DDC will continue monitoring the outbreak situation and review measures regularly.
The government also warned of strict penalties for violating quarantine orders under Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act. Travelers who fail to comply with quarantine or isolation orders may face fines of up to 20,000 baht. Those who leave quarantine or isolation facilities without permission could face imprisonment of up to one year, fines of up to 100,000 baht ($3,000), or both.
“We request the cooperation of all travelers to provide their truthful travel history in order to prevent and control the disease effectively,” Dr. Montien said. “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.”
