The Thai Public Health Ministry ordered on Sunday installation of a thermal scanner at a border in Maesai district of a northern province of Chiang Rai in its latest move to curb the A/H1N1 influenza virus outbreak.

At the Maesai border, everyday approximately some 3,000 foreigners, who mainly are businessmen pass into Thailand, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi said during his visit to Chiang Rai.

Also, in Chiang Rai there are two ports in Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen districts, where up to 10 ships of goods from neighboring countries arrive daily as each has 50-60 crew members, said Manit.

About 100 to 200 European tourists also enter into Thailand through these two ports daily, said the Deputy Minister.

Medical staff must ensure of their efficiency in checking foreigners, especially from the high-risk countries, who travel to Thailand through these borders, said Manit.

The Public Health Ministry said that since May 12, the country has had its first two A/H1N1 flu cases. However, the two patients have already recovered and will not spread the deadly flu disease to others. The two persons had returned from Mexico.

According to the World Health Organization, Thailand with having had the confirmed A/H1N1 flu patients ranked 33rd as the country, which has been hit by the deadly new virus.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2009)