21 Aug 2015
Regarding media enquiries on the explosion incident in Thailand, the Immigration Department (ImmD) today (August 21) 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, no further report of casualties had been received by ImmD. At present, it was confirmed that two Hong Kong residents deceased and six were injured in the incident.
Under the assistance of officers of the ImmD, the corpses of the two deceased residents were transferred back to Hong Kong this afternoon. Two of the injured residents also returned to Hong Kong this afternoon, accompanied by officers of the ImmD and the Hospital Authority (HA). They were sent to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for further medical treatment immediately upon their arrival to Hong Kong. Up till now, three of the six injured residents had already returned to Hong Kong, while the remaining three are still receiving treatment at local hospitals. Two ImmD officers and one Clinical Psychologist of the HA will stay in Thailand and continue to render assistance to the injured residents who are still hospitalised to assist them in returning to Hong Kong according to their wishes.
The ImmD will continue to keep contact with OCMFA, the Embassy, the injured and the 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.