***********************************************************
Regarding media enquiries on the explosion incident in Thailand, the Immigration Department (ImmD) today (August 18) responded as follows:
Concerning the explosion incident in Bangkok, Thailand, the ImmD continued to maintain close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong (OCMFA), the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand (Embassy) and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to understand the situation. As at 8pm today, the Embassy and the families concerned confirmed that two Hong Kong residents deceased in the incident. The ImmD immediately contacted the families of the deceased and rendered advice and assistance according to their wishes. Meanwhile, among the six Hong Kong residents confirmed injured in the incident, five were still in local hospitals for treatment and one was discharged after treatment.
Six officers of the ImmD and three officers of the Hospital Authority (including one Accident and Emergency Consultant, one Clinical Psychologist and one Senior Counsellor) were deployed to Thailand and had visited the injured at the hospitals today. They discussed with the injured and family of the deceased regarding medical transfer, corpse handling and issuance of relevant documents, and provided appropriate advice and assistance. Another officer from ImmD will arrive at Thailand later today for according further assistance there.
The ImmD will continue to keep contact with OCMFA, the Embassy, the injured and their families to closely monitor the situation and render practical assistance. The ImmD advises residents already in Bangkok to attend to personal safety and remain in safe areas.
Hong Kong residents travelling outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of ImmD at (852) 1868.
Ends/Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:50
NNNN