Date: 20 March 2003

Due to reports of "killer" pneumonia which has been spreading across Asia and some spots in Canada, the World Health Organization (WHO) issues a global alert and emergency guidance for travelers and airlines.

Over the past weeks, more than new 150 suspected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an a typical pneumonia have been reported to the WHO following the major outbreaks in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Southern China. This issue results in an advice of the WHO giving that unessential trip to the infected countries in Asia should be postponed until further notice.

At the beginning of the outbreak, Thailand had been mistakenly listed as one of the infected countries along with Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Canada by many news media. However, after a careful inspection by the WHO officials in Thailand, there is no patient found to suffer from SARS. In addition, Thailand's International Airports and authorities concerned have stepped up fast to imposed preventive measures against the spread of the disease. As a result, WHO has removed Thailand from the list of high-risked countries from SARS in its Travel Warning (Refer to more info at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/19Mar2003_news07.html)

With the preventive measures Thailand is managing at the check-points at the airport as well as consistent inspection of the WHO, Thailand is confirmed a safe place to travel. Therefore, enjoy your trip!

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