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The Government today (April 8) issued SMS over mobile phones to Hong Kong residents in Thailand to inform them that a state of emergency had been declared around Bangkok by the Thai authorities. The Red Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) might be raised to black if necessary. Hong Kong residents should attend to their personal safety.
A government spokesman reminded residents that the red OTA for Thailand (Bangkok) is still in force. The Security Bureau is constantly reviewing the situation and will raise the alert level if necessary. Those already in Thailand 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 of the Immigration Department has received 293 enquiries and no request for assistance.
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 (852) 1868 of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department.
Ends/Thursday, April 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:56
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