The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans travelling to Bangkok to stay away from large crowds and demonstrations, monitor local news and developments closely, take all necessary precautions for personal safety, and buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
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SINGAPORE: Amid protests in Bangkok, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans who are in the Thai capital to stay away from large crowds and demonstrations.
It added those travelling to Bangkok during this period may encounter increased security presence and traffic congestion.
A check with some tour agencies in Singapore showed that it is still business as usual.
The agencies Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they have not received cancellations from customers travelling to Thailand.
One agency said it has tours leaving for Thailand every day for the next two weeks.
It added that its tour schedules in Bangkok have not been affected by the protests.
Jane Chang, Chan Brothers Travel’s manager for marketing communications, said: "As we all know, the protests… are almost an annual affair in Bangkok so that could be the reason why customers are adopting a wait-and-see approach to their Bangkok trip."
Stella Chow, Hong Thai Travel’s senior manager for advertising and marketing, said: "In our, maybe, 10 years of experience of seeing this sort of situation happen, it has not affected the… tourist areas."
The MFA also advised Singaporeans who are in Bangkok or travelling there to monitor local news and developments closely, take all necessary precautions for personal safety, and purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
In addition, Singaporeans are encouraged to eRegister with the MFA at its website so the ministry may contact them should the need arise.
It added that Singaporeans who are in need of consular assistance while in Bangkok may contact the Singapore embassy in Bangkok or the 24-hour MFA duty office.
As of Monday evening, the Thai government has expanded the coverage of its Internal Security Act (ISA) to all districts of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani's Lardlumkaew district and Samut Prakarn's Bang Pli district, including Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Political demonstrations have also expanded beyond the main protest area at the Democracy Monument to various locations in Bangkok, including some government buildings.
The statement said protest areas may also include popular tourist areas like Silom Road and Ratchaprasong intersection, and new locations for street protests could be announced at short notice.
The contact details of the Singapore embassy in Bangkok are:
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Thailand
129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 001-66-(2) 286-2111 or 001-66-(81) 844-3580 (24-hours)
Fax: 001-66-(2) 287-2578
Email: singemb_bkk@sgmfa.gov.sg.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855
Fax: 6476-7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 001-66-(2) 286-2111 or 001-66-(81) 844-3580 (24-hours)
Fax: 001-66-(2) 287-2578
Email: singemb_bkk@sgmfa.gov.sg.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855
Fax: 6476-7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
- CNA/xq/gn
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