Situation Update

Thailand reaffirms security and assistance measures for all tourists in the country

Issued at Bangkok at 17.00 hrs. (GMT+7) on 19 August 2015

The Royal Thai Government has reaffirmed that all tourist security and assistance measures are in place as Thailand is united in mobilising the support from all concerned parties to assist and facilitate tourists affected by the 17 August explosion incident in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong Intersection. The Royal Thai Government is doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.

On 18 August, 2015, at 14.00 hrs., H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports convened a major meeting of leaders of the entire Thai tourism industry to communicate the actions being taken to accommodate the families of the deceased, provide the best possible care for the injured, take care of tourists who are currently holidaying in the country as well as maintain the confidence of those who have plans to travel to the kingdom in the days and weeks ahead.

Under the existing assistance measures, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will extend assistance to tourists for a broad range of unforeseen events, ranging from natural disasters, terrorism and riots, and other unfortunate incidents. The measures are in effect from the date the tourists arrive in Thailand and continue through to the date the tourists leave the country. The assistance measures cover the loss of life, dismemberment (hand, foot), loss of sight or total permanent disability during the trip in Thailand, medical expenses, trip curtailment, and trauma rehabilitation.

A special “War Room” has been set up to assess the situation and communicate with relatives of tourists. A service point at the hospitals, where the wounded have been admitted, has been staffed by the officers from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourist Police Division and multilingual volunteer interpreters, especially those who speak Mandarin.

Security has been tightened across the country to ensure the public safety, particularly at destinations and venues popular with tourists or densely-populated as well as at all international airports and all public transport, including the mass transit systems – BTS Skytrain and MRT services, and bus and rail services. The number of officers on foot patrol has also been increased at tourist locations and important venues. Extra security, including more road checkpoints and strict checks, has also been in place. Thai Police Chief Police-General Somyos Poompanmuang yesterday (18 August, 2015) led a team of high-ranking police officers patrolling Yaowarat or Bangkok’s Chinatown to reassure locals and tourists that security is under control.

Meanwhile, overall life in the city and across the country is continuing as normal. All public services and banks are open and available to the general public. As for tourist businesses, tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shopping malls remain open, while transportation links, major roads and airports continue to operate. The Erawan Shrine at Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong intersection reopened today.

The Tourism Monitoring and Communication Center of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with 27 overseas offices and 35 domestic offices, is closely monitoring and assessing the situation as well and will soon launch the plan to recall tourists’ confidence.

The events that TAT is supporting remain as scheduled; such as, the “Way of Silk, the Way of Thai: A Tribute to Her Majesty the Queen” silk exhibition in Bangkok during 17-30 August, TBEX Asia 2015 during 15-17 October, and the nationwide Loi Krathong festivities in November, as well as all other domestic and overseas marketing activities, such as, the Agent Front liner workshop from 21-22 August, 2015 in Bangkok for 150 participants from ASEAN and Oceania.

Useful contact for tourists:

War Room of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports +66 (0) 2134 4077

TAT Call Centre 1672

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hotline +66 (0) 2644 7245 / 2643 5522 / 85 065 9927

Tourist Police Hotline 1155

For the Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here.  

For information regarding latest updates on casualties, contact the Erawan Emergency Service Centre Hotline 1646, or visit the website by click here.

For those who may have useful information regarding the incident or to report suspicious activities, contact Police Hotline 191

Contact Information

International Public Relations Division

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48

Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.tatnews.org

Facebook: TAT Newsroom

Twitter: TAT Newsroom