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 (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 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.
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 visited the injured at the hospitals today. They discussed with the injured and families of the deceased regarding medical transfer, corpse handling and issuance of relevant documents, and provided appropriate advice and assistance. While condition of some injured are stable, the ImmD will coordinate relevant parties to assist them in returning to Hong Kong according to their wishes. Officers of the ImmD had also taken the initiative to visit the local hospitals to check if there are any injured Hong Kong residents who have not sought assistance from ImmD.
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 ImmD at (852) 1868.