Fourteen Thais who returned from Mexico were placed under quarantine for influenza A/H1N1 virus test early Monday as the government advised the public not to travel to flu affected areas.

Those who arrived at Bangkok-based Suvarnabhumi International Airport around 1130 p.m. (GMT1630) Sunday, were immediately taken to Bamrasnaradura Institute, the national infectious diseases referral hospital in Nonthaburi province north to Bangkok.

Somchai Jakraphan, director-general of the Disease Control Department, said the 14 would go under blood and sputum test for trace of influenza A/H1N1 virus. If they test negative to the virus, they would be quarantined for 24 more hours, the Nation news website quoted him as saying.

Of the 14 people, one Thai student with a little fever was thought be tired after a long journey and separated from others for further test, he said.

On Sunday, Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said the government will not prohibit Thai people from traveling to 16 areas in Asia where cases of the A flu were reported, but they are advised to postpone their trips.

As for Thai people who planned to return to Thailand and may have flu symptoms, he asked them to wear protective face masks to avoid the flu symptoms from spreading.

A senior health officials meeting, including Mr. Witthaya, was held on Sunday to evaluate the situation and the measures for dealing with the new deadly flu strain. The government had set up 90 disease control checkpoints to examine travelers entering the country by land, sea, or air, the minister said.