Thailand Imposes 21-Day Quarantine for Arrivals From Congo and Uganda Over Ebola Concerns

Thailand has put into effect mandatory 21-day quarantine or isolation for all travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as part of new legal measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Dr. Monthian Khanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, announced the decision after the National Communicable Disease Committee’s third meeting of the year. The move follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola Bundibugyo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Under the measures, travelers arriving from the two countries who show no symptoms must undergo 21 days of quarantine at designated facilities. Those with symptoms must be isolated in state hospitals.

Thailand has also restricted all arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to entry through Suvarnabhumi Airport only. The Department of Disease Control said quarantine facilities were prepared from 6 p.m. on May 27, 2026, and that authorities would continue to closely monitor the situation.

According to the figures cited in the announcement, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 867 suspected cases and 214 deaths. Thailand has detected no cases, but authorities said they remain on high alert because of the disease’s severity and incubation period of up to 21 days.

Officials warned that failure to comply with quarantine orders under Section 34(1) of the Communicable Disease Act can bring a fine of up to 20,000 baht. Leaving quarantine or isolation without permission under Section 34(7) can result in up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Dr. Monthian urged travelers to provide accurate travel histories and cooperate with health authorities, while saying Thailand’s surveillance system is prepared with trained personnel, medical supplies and advanced laboratories.