The US space agency NASAS has offered Thailand the use of its satellites to help control the kingdoms worst outbreak of malaria in five years. The Nation daily said the NASA satellites will survey malaria- affected regions as part of a new strategy to curb the disease.

The program, funded by a grant from software billionaire Bill Gates, is aimed at eliminating the malaria mosquito from Thailand's jungles , communicable Disease control Department officials told the Newspaper . Residents in the areas will be given free malaria pills which are to be taken for just three days, said the department's director Somsong Rakpho. " The shorter period of dosage can reduce drug resistance stemming from continuous use," he said.

Mean while, Deputy Public Health Minister Surapong Public Health minister Surapong Suebwonglee reportedly said the ministry is on alert over the spread of dengue fever , which is also spread by mosquitos and is on the increase in Thailand.

The number of patients affected by the disease has risen 10-fold this year , he said. " the situation is extremely serious and has prompted us to set up a special center to take control and to closely monitor the epidemic,"