***********************************************************
In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman today (April 11) said that the authorities concerned, including the Security Bureau and the Immigration Department, were closely monitoring the situation in Thailand, and remained in close liaison with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to keep abreast of the situation there.
In the past few days, the Security Bureau from time to time updated the travel advice given to Hong Kong residents in light of the latest situation in Thailand. This afternoon, the Administration sought assistance from local telecommunication operators to send SMS to inform Hong Kong travellers in Thailand by roaming service that a state of emergency had been declared in Pattaya and the province of Chonburi.
As at 5pm today (April 11), 121 enquiries but no requests for assistance were received by the Immigration Department.
Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
Ends/Saturday, April 11, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:55
NNNN