MFA Spokesman's Comments in response to media queries for an update on the situation in Hat Yai, Thailand (1 April 2012)

In response to media queries for an update on the situation in Hat Yai, Thailand, the MFA Spokesman said:

"MFA continues to closely monitor the situation in Hat Yai, particularly of Singaporeans affected by the hotel fire. Our Embassy in Bangkok has been in contact with thirty-one Singaporeans in Hat Yai, including ten of whom who were at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, and has established that they are safe. An officer from our Embassy is in Hat Yai to provide consular assistance to these Singaporeans and to determine if there are other Singaporeans who may need assistance.

In view of the recent bomb blasts in Yala and in Hat Yai, which had led to the fire at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, Singaporeans are advised to postpone non-essential travel to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla in Thailand for the time being. Singaporeans with an urgent need to travel to these provinces are advised to monitor local news and developments, take all necessary precautions for their personal safety and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Singaporeans travelling to these provinces should also eRegister with MFA at http://eregister.mfa.gov.sg to facilitate contact in an emergency. Singaporeans who require consular assistance should contact the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok or the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 001-66-(81) 844-3580 / 001-66-(2) 286-2111/ 001-66-(81) 8443580 (Duty Officer)
Fax: 001-66-(2) 286-6966
Email: singemb_bkk@sgmfa.gov.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs- MFA Duty Office
Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855 (24 hours)
Fax: 6476-7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg"

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
1 APRIL 2012