Pinoys in Thailand told to avoid areas specified by cops

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday placed Thailand under Alert Level 1 (precautionary phase) following the bombing near the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok on Monday that killed 20 people and injured more than 100.

Filipinos are particularly advised by the DFA to avoid the following areas, as specified by the Thai police: Rajaprasong intersection, Patumwan intersection, Silom Road, Khao San Road, Narathiwat intersection, Victory monument, Tuk Chai intersection, Benjasiri Park and Soi Thong Lor Sukhumvit Road.

Alert Level 1 is issued when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability and external threat to the host country. Filipinos are advised to take necessary precautions.

The Erawan Shrine, which was crowded at the time of the blast, is a major tourist attraction and foreigners, including Chinese, were among the casualties.

The Philippine embassy in Bangkok confirmed that a Filipina was among those injured in the blast.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the Filipina, who requested that her identity and other personal details not be revealed, sustained injury to her hearing due to the blast.

The Filipina, Jose said, is in Bangkok together with a foreign family and she will return to her employer’s country soon.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha called Monday’s explosion at a busy intersection “the worst incident that has ever happened in Thailand,” and he promised to track down those responsible.

The DFA said the Philippine embassy is ready to extend assistance, if necessary, to the estimated 15,000 Filipinos in Thailand. Below are the contact details: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines 760 Sukhumvit Road corner Soi Philippines (30/1) Klongtoey, Klongtan, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel. No.: +662 259 0139 to 40 24/7 Hotline No.:  +668 992 659 54.

Email addresses: [email protected]. or [email protected].  

Following the bomb explosion in Bangkok last Monday, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced that passengers with confirmed round-trip tickets from Manila to Bangkok who wish to reschedule their flights will not be charged rebooking fees.

Based on the recent PAL advisory, rebooking fee waiver will apply to existing ticket holders with travel dates falling within the period Aug.19-31, 2015.

On the other hand, passengers in this category must be able to rebook within 30 days from their original travel dates to ensure that rebooking penalties and charges are waived.

PAL continues to operate an average of 17 flights every week to and from Bangkok, but advises passengers to take precautionary measures while in the Thai capital.

Guidelines were issued due to the bombing in central Bangkok that killed at least 20 people and injured 140, including a Filipina.

For flight rebooking, passengers may call PAL Reservations hotline at 855-8888 or visit any PAL ticketing office, while passengers with tickets purchased online may rebook by logging on to www.philippineairlines.com. – With Louise Maureen Simeon