Government reminds residents Black Outbound Travel Alert for Thailand (Bangkok) still in force
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     In light of the increased tension in Bangkok, with shooting and bomb attack incidents in the city centre last night, a government spokesman today (May 14) urged residents to avoid all travel to Bangkok while the Black Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Thailand (Bangkok) is still in force. Residents who are already there should attend to their personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.

     As at 11am today, the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department had handled six assistance cases after the Black OTA for Thailand (Bangkok) was issued on April 10. The assistance cases involved loss of travel documents in Bangkok and difficulty in arranging earlier flights back to Hong Kong. All the cases have been resolved. Since March 10, 420 enquiries have been received. They were mainly about the OTA in force, local flight information and the latest situation in Bangkok.

     The Security Bureau together with other relevant government bureaux and departments are closely monitoring the situation in Bangkok and surrounding areas. 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 Embassy in Thailand. 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 Immigration Department (852) 1868.

Ends/Friday, May 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:26

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