18 Aug 2015
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 has 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 and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to understand the situation. As at noon today, the Embassy and the families concerned confirmed that two Hong Kong residents have died 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 to be injured in the incident, five were still in local hospitals for treatment and one had been discharged after treatment.
The ImmD deployed three officers to Thailand this morning. Three other officers from the ImmD and three staff from the Hospital Authority (including one Accident and Emergency Consultant, one Clinical Psychologist and one Senior Counsellor) have been further deployed to Thailand to visit the injured and the hospitals to provide assistance to the injured Hong Kong residents, the families and other Hong Kong residents there.
The ImmD will continue to keep contact with the 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 at 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 the ImmD at (852) 1868.