Thailand plans health measures after tourist deaths

Reuters: Thailand announced new measures on Tuesday to protect tourists after five foreigners died mysteriously in one city in just over a month, saying they were likely poisoned by unidentified toxic chemicals or pesticides.

Two Britons, a Frenchman, an American and a New Zealander died between 11 January and 19 February this year in northern Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-biggest city. Three of the victims’ travelling companions also fell ill. The deaths drew negative media attention to a country that is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting some 14 million visitors a year to its beaches, mountains and sprawling capital, Bangkok.

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control listed actions that will be taken to prevent more illness in Chiang Mai and other key destinations for tourism.

They included the close monitoring of the use of chemicals and pesticides in hotels, inspections of markets and street food vendors, health and safety training by local authorities, a review of investigation procedures and the setting-up of a website to advise tourists on potential health risks.