Hong Kong raises travel alert for Thailand to red
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     In view of the latest situation in Thailand, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (May 22) raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Thailand to red.

     A government spokesman said, "Residents intending to visit Thailand should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel, including leisure travel. Those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people."

     The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any update will be issued through the media and the bureau's OTA webpage, www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota.¡@

     Hong Kong residents in Thailand who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department on (852) 1868 or contact the Chinese Embassy in Thailand via the 24-hour consular protection hotline: (66) 854833327.

     In addition, Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the on-line Registration of Outbound Travel Information (ROTI) service (www.gov.hk/roti) to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the AHU of the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.

Ends/Thursday, May 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:30

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