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?????A government spokesman today (April 5) reminded residents that the Red Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Thailand (Bangkok) is still in force. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and avoid places with demonstrations and large gatherings of people. Since the OTA was raised to red on March 10, the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department has received 279 enquiries and no request for assistance.
?????The government spokesman also reminded residents that the Amber OTA for Russia is also in force. Those who plan to visit the country should monitor the situation and exercise caution. The Security Bureau is constantly reviewing the situation and will raise the alert level if necessary. Residents should pay attention to relevant announcement. Since the issue of Amber OTA on March 29, the AHU has not received any enquiry or any request for assistance.
?????The Security Bureau together with other relevant government bureaux and departments are closely monitoring the situation in Bangkok and Russia. They have been 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 Embassies in Thailand and Russia. Any update will be issued through the media and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).
?????Residents outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the AHU (852) 1868.
Ends/Monday, April 5, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:05
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