Thailand’s Tourism Authority Says Nipah Virus Has Not Affected Inbound Travel, Reports Strong Growth From India
TAT highlights resilience of Indian tourist arrivals amid heightened health screening and no detected Nipah cases in Thailand
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has affirmed that the recent outbreak of the Nipah virus in India has not materially hurt the country’s overall tourism performance so far, even as authorities maintain enhanced health screening at major entry points.
Officials said there is no evidence linking the health scare to any significant downturn in visitor numbers, and that inbound arrivals from India have in fact grown markedly in January 2026.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that, despite widespread international reporting on the Nipah virus situation in West Bengal, Thailand has not detected any infections and its tourism figures remain robust.
The agency’s analysis of daily immigration data from January 1 to 25 shows that total foreign arrivals stood at around 2.62 million, a slight year-on-year decline attributed to unrelated factors such as border tensions and flooding, rather than health concerns.
In contrast, arrivals from India have risen by about 20 percent compared with the same period in 2025, with Indian visitors accounting for more than 189,000 entries.
During the week of January 20 to 26 — when media coverage of the outbreak intensified — the Indian market reportedly grew by roughly 35 percent year-on-year.
TAT pointed to strong air travel demand at Phuket, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as evidence of sustained confidence among Indian travellers.
To safeguard public health and reinforce confidence in Thailand as a safe destination, screening measures have been implemented at key international airports for passengers arriving from areas affected by the outbreak.
These include temperature checks, health declarations and on-site assessments, all aligned with guidance from the Ministry of Public Health.
TAT acknowledged that heightened media attention could have psychological effects on traveller sentiment in some markets, but emphasised that no tangible drop in bookings has been clearly linked to the Nipah virus at this stage.
Officials said continued vigilance and clear communication are essential to maintaining both traveller confidence and Thailand’s position as a leading tourism destination.
Officials said there is no evidence linking the health scare to any significant downturn in visitor numbers, and that inbound arrivals from India have in fact grown markedly in January 2026.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that, despite widespread international reporting on the Nipah virus situation in West Bengal, Thailand has not detected any infections and its tourism figures remain robust.
The agency’s analysis of daily immigration data from January 1 to 25 shows that total foreign arrivals stood at around 2.62 million, a slight year-on-year decline attributed to unrelated factors such as border tensions and flooding, rather than health concerns.
In contrast, arrivals from India have risen by about 20 percent compared with the same period in 2025, with Indian visitors accounting for more than 189,000 entries.
During the week of January 20 to 26 — when media coverage of the outbreak intensified — the Indian market reportedly grew by roughly 35 percent year-on-year.
TAT pointed to strong air travel demand at Phuket, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as evidence of sustained confidence among Indian travellers.
To safeguard public health and reinforce confidence in Thailand as a safe destination, screening measures have been implemented at key international airports for passengers arriving from areas affected by the outbreak.
These include temperature checks, health declarations and on-site assessments, all aligned with guidance from the Ministry of Public Health.
TAT acknowledged that heightened media attention could have psychological effects on traveller sentiment in some markets, but emphasised that no tangible drop in bookings has been clearly linked to the Nipah virus at this stage.
Officials said continued vigilance and clear communication are essential to maintaining both traveller confidence and Thailand’s position as a leading tourism destination.
