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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 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 6am today, the Embassy and the families concerned confirmed two Hong Kong residents deceased in the incident. The ImmD has immediately contacted families of the deceased and rendered advice and assistance according to their wish.
Apart from two deceased cases, the ImmD confirmed six other Hong Kong residents injured in the incident and they have been sent to local hospitals for treatment. Among them, one was discharged after treatment.
ImmD will deploy three officers to Thailand this morning to visit the injured and the hospitals for according assistance to those injured, the families and other Hong Kong residents there. 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. ImmD advises residents already there 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.
Ends/Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 07:20
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