Health Alert for Tourists Travelling to Thailand After Anthrax Death In Over 30 Years
PuneNow News | May 4, 2025
Thailand continues to be a favourite international getaway for Indian tourists, thanks to its affordability, visa-friendly policies, and wide-ranging attractions — from stunning beaches to bustling shopping streets. However, Indian travellers planning a trip to Thailand are now being urged to exercise caution following the country’s first anthrax-related death in over three decades.
A health alert was recently issued after a 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province, near the Laos border, succumbed to anthrax. He had reportedly handled a dead cow, a known transmission risk for the disease. A second man, also aged 53 and with a history of cattle contact, has tested positive and is currently hospitalised. In response, Thai health authorities are closely monitoring 638 people identified as part of “risk groups,” including butchers and those who consumed raw meat — a delicacy popular in the country’s northeast. Preventive antibiotics are being administered to these individuals.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that typically affects grazing livestock and wildlife but can be fatal to humans. Human symptoms include skin lesions, painful blisters, and swollen lymph nodes.
This development has prompted the Indian government and travel advisory agencies to recommend extra vigilance for tourists visiting Thailand, particularly in rural or agricultural areas. Officials are especially warning against the consumption of raw or undercooked meat during travel.
Adding to the cautionary measures, Thailand has mandated a Digital Arrival Card for all foreign visitors starting May 1, 2025. This digital form, replacing the traditional paper-based arrival system, must be submitted before departure. The form is accessible through the Thai Immigration Bureau’s official website and is compulsory for travellers entering by air, land, or sea. The new system also serves Thailand’s broader efforts to combat illegal activities such as human trafficking, especially into cybercrime networks operating in the region.
As Thailand gears up to welcome tourists for the summer season, Indian travellers are advised to stay informed, take precautions, and adhere to the new travel requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
