Indian arrivals to Thailand climb while Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket step up health screening

Between January 1–25, 2026 the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recorded a 20% rise in arrivals from India, with key hubs — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang y Phuket International Airport — implementing enhanced health screening protocols for passengers arriving from affected regions amid concerns over the Nipah virus.

Passenger flows and airport-level data at a glance

The weekly surge in Indian travellers persisted even during heightened media attention on the outbreak, prompting visible operational adjustments at major Thai airports to reassure visitors and preserve onward mobility for taxis and transfer services.

Health screening and logistics: what changed

Airports introduced several targeted measures to limit disruptions while facilitating onward travel:

• Additional screening lanes at international arrival halls to prevent sanitation bottlenecks.
• Coordination with airlines to flag passengers from affected districts for secondary checks.
• Information desks and signage in multiple languages to reduce anxiety and speed passenger flow.
• Communication with ground transport operators, including taxi stands and private transfer services, to manage pick-up schedules and vehicle cleaning routines.

Implications for transfers, taxis and intra-city transport

Higher arrivals and visible health checks have direct knock-on effects for the transfer market. Private car services and taxis face a short-term uplift in demand at peak arrival times, and operators are increasingly asked to confirm vehicle hygiene protocols, driver health checks, and passenger capacities.

Practical advice for travellers planning transfers

• Book a private transfer in advance to avoid long waits at taxi ranks.
• Choose providers that show vehicle make, model and driver ratings to ensure transparency.
• Allow extra time for pickup — screenings and queueing can add 15–30 minutes.
• Confirm cancellation and no-show policies tied to health-related delays.

Market sensitivity and short-term outlook

TAT officials, including Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, have emphasized that swift containment in India and enhanced screening in Thailand should limit material disruptions. Nevertheless, markets sensitive to health concerns (notably China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan) may postpone travel for one to two weeks, which could temporarily alter peak routing and demand for long-distance airport transfers.

What this means for drivers and transfer companies

Operationally, drivers and private transfer companies should expect:

• Fluctuating demand by route — stronger at Phuket and Bangkok gateways.
• Requests for proof of vehicle cleaning and driver license/health checks.
• Opportunities to upsell private, sanitized rides over shared transport to anxious travellers.

Quick checklist for transfer providers

• Maintain clear online listings showing vehicle details and driver ratings.
• Offer flexible booking windows and easy rebooking for delayed passengers.
• Train drivers on courteous communication about health measures to reassure customers.

Short-term, the news is unlikely to reconfigure the global tourism map dramatically: the rise in Indian arrivals demonstrates resilience in one of Thailand’s key feeder markets. However, it remains locally relevant — operators and booking platforms need to adapt to changing passenger expectations around safety and service. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

Highlights: increased Indian arrivals, visible airport screening at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket, and maintained confidence from TAT leadership. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Travelers benefit from convenience, affordability, extensive vehicle choices and a wide range of additional options, all presented with transparency and clear fares. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

Summary: Thailand has seen a notable uptick in Indian tourist arrivals despite the Nipah virus reports, with TAT data showing airport-level increases and proactive health-screening measures at Phuket International Airport, Suvarnabhumi y Don Mueang. These logistics changes affect taxi and transfer demand, prompting travelers to seek exact, private services that list car, driver and fare details in advance. Whether you need a cheap cab, a private seater, or a limousine for an airport transfer, booking ahead via a transparent app can save time and align expectations on price, seat, license checks and service quality. GetTransfer.com supports this need globally by letting users choose exact vehicles, view model and driver ratings, and compare fares — making it easier to book the best private transfer, airport ride or city taxi for your destination.