19 Aug 2015
Regarding media enquiries on the explosion incident in Thailand, the Immigration Department (ImmD) today (August 19) 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 11am today, the Embassy and the families concerned confirmed that two Hong Kong residents have died in the incident. The ImmD had immediately contacted 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 was discharged after treatment and has returned to Hong Kong.
One additional officer from the ImmD accompanied family members of the deceased and arrived in Thailand last night to provide assistance. With the assistance of the ImmD's officers, families of the deceased completed the corpse identification formalities last night. Seven officers of the ImmD and three officers of the Hospital Authority (including one Accident and Emergency Consultant, one Clinical Psychologist and one Senior Counsellor) deployed to Thailand will continue to visit the injured at the hospitals today. They will discuss with the injured and families of the deceased regarding medical transfer, corpse handling and issuance of relevant documents, and provide appropriate advice and assistance.
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 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.