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A government spokesman today (April 11) reminded residents that the Black Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Thailand (Bangkok) is still in force. Residents are urged to avoid all travel to Bangkok. Those already there should monitor the situation closely, attend to their personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.
The spokesman said, "The airline services from Bangkok to Hong Kong remain normal. Those who intend to depart should allow sufficient time for travel to the airport. Hong Kong residents in Bangkok who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Immigration Department (852)1868."
Since March 10, the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department has received 350 enquiries and no request for assistance. Among these enquiries, 35 of them were received after the issue of Black OTA on April 10. They were mainly about the OTA in force, local flight information and 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).
Ends/Sunday, April 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:26
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