Publications and Academic Contributions

Significance: One of the largest studies of rabies exposure risk among international travelers (n=7,651). It demonstrated measurable risk of animal exposure in Southeast Asia and showed that risk varies by traveler origin. The findings strengthened evidence-based rabies prevention strategies for travelers.

Authors: Piyaphanee W, Kittitrakul C, Lawpoolsri S, Gautret P, Kashino W, Tangkanakul W, Charoenpong P, Ponam T, Sibunruang S, Phumratanaprapin W, Tantawichien T.

Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012;6(9):e1852. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001852.

Significance: One of the first editorials to emphasize that Asian travelers differ from Western travelers in preexisting immunity, cultural background, risk perception, and actual exposure patterns. It challenged the assumption that Western-derived travel medicine models are universally applicable. The article called for culturally informed and region-specific approaches to travel health practice in different part of the world.

Authors: Piyaphanee W, Steffen R, Shlim DR, Gherardin T, Chatterjee S.

Journal: J Travel Med 2012;19(6):335-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2012.00661.x.

Significance: This publication describes the world’s first structured residency program in travel medicine at Mahidol University. It justified a comprehensive three-year curriculum integrating Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine, and Preventive medicine/Public Health. The program helped formalize travel medicine as a distinct subspecialty.

Authors: Piyaphanee W and Chanthavanich P

Journal: J Travel Med 2016:13;23(5). doi: 10.1093/jtm/taw041

Case Report: A Cluster of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Cases among Thai Workers in Gembu, Nigeria

Significance: This case report illustrates the importance of detailed travel and exposure histories, showing how shared exposure among co-workers can lead to clustered infections. It documented that four of six Thai workers in Nigeria developed Plasmodium falciparum malaria simultaneously, with one fatality, emphasizing the vulnerability of traveling worker groups to malaria in endemic regions.

Authors: Matsee W, Chatapat L, Chotivanich K, Piyaphanee W.

Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018;99(3):623-626. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0367.

Significance: This study analyzed a decade of imported malaria cases in Thailand, revealing trends and outcomes that challenge assumptions about malaria in a near-elimination setting. The study highlighted distinct demographic and clinical patterns between border and transnational malaria, including different predominant Plasmodium species and risk factors for severe disease.

Authors:Looareesuwan P, Charoenwisedsil R, Asawapaithulsert P, Pisutsan P, Luvira V, Piyaphanee W, Matsee W

Journal: Travel Med Infect Dis 2024;62:102775. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2024.102775.

Significance: This study highlights the often overlooked health risks of seasonal air pollution (PM2.5) for short-term international travelers to Thailand. It showed that travelers exposed to higher PM2.5 levels, reported significantly more respiratory, eye, and skin symptoms than those in lower-pollution areas. The findings underscore that air quality is a travel health risk that should be addressed.

Authors: Pisutsan P, Poprom N, Panumasvivat J, Assavanopakun P, Polpitakchai C, Yamsiri R, Smithikrai B, Apivatthakakul A, Sirikul W, Sapbamrer R, Kitro A

Journal: J Travel Med 2026;33(1):taaf095. doi: 10.1093/jtm/taaf095.

Summary: Module 1 of the WHO International Travel and Health series provides a comprehensive overview of general health risks that travelers may encounter during the trip. The guidance emphasizes individualized risk assessment based on destination, characteristic of the trip, and the health profile of the traveler. It outlines preventive measures to reduce travel-related health risks, including pre-travel consultation and awareness of environmental, infectious, and non-infectious hazards.

Summary: WHO International Travel and Health: Module 3 focus on malaria which is one of the most important risk among travelers to the tropical area. This module outlines the clinical features, geographical distribution and chemoprophylaxis against malaria, as well as personal protection measures against mosquitoes. It also highlights included many useful tables regarding each chemoprophylaxis medication which are very useful for travel health professionals.

Summary: Module 4 focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases relevant to international travel and provides evidence-based recommendations. It outlines indications, contraindications, and specific considerations for vaccines commonly administered to travelers. The guidance supports clinicians in aligning vaccination strategies with global epidemiological data and international health regulations. This module serves as a key reference for practitioners delivering pre-travel immunization services.