Bangkok bombing death toll hits 22: HK says avoid Bangkok
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
The death toll in twin bomb explosion in Bangkok reached 22 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Hong Kong warned its residents to avoid travel to the capital of Thailand while other governments in Southeast Asia, Far East and Asia advised citizens to be extra vigilant, after Monday’s bomb attack in a Hindu shrine by suspected terrorists killed at least 22, including 7 tourists. China has condemned the attack and called on Thailand to investigate the bombing and ‘punish the assailants severely’. Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Indonesian and Malaysian citizens were among the 20 people confirmed killed when the explosion sent a fireball into the sky near a five-star hotel. More than 100 people were injured. Hong Kong published a red alert for Bangkok, the second highest of the government's three-tier system. "Residents intending to visit (Bangkok)... should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel, including leisure travel," a government spokesman said in a statement. "Those already there should pay attention to announcements by local authorities, attend to their personal safety and avoid areas affected by the explosion."
Australian too advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand but stopped short of changing the level of advice issued to travellers. During a parliamentary address, Prime Minister Tony Abbott urged Australians to not be intimidated by extremism. "Australians should continue to go to Thailand because the object of the sorts of people who let off bombs in crowded cities is to scare us from being ourselves and we should never be intimidated by that," said Abbott.
Filipinos also advised its citizens in Bangkok to remain calm and to observe necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety. Singapore also urged its citizens in Thailand to take the necessary safety precautions. Royal Thai Police have requested locals and tourists exercise caution when out in Bangkok and other Thai cities and towns, according to a news agency.
- mbz