MFA urges Singaporeans to stay vigilant when travelling in Bangkok

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans travelling to Bangkok or residing in Thailand to exercise vigilance during the June school period in view of the dangerous incidents that happened last year at places popular with tourists.

In a statement issued on June 7, the ministry urged Singaporeans to keep themselves updated on the latest developments through Thai news outlets and heed the instructions of the local Thai authorities.

Singaporeans are also advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety. They should buy comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage of the insurance policies.

It also urged Singaporeans to eRegister at its portal so that the ministry could contact them if the need arises. 

The statement highlighted a number of threatening incidents that struck places popular with Singapore tourists.

On February 1, 2015, two small improvised explosive devices exploded at the Siam station of Bangkok's Skytrain System, which is located very close to Siam Paragon, a popular shopping mall with Singaporeans.

The following month (March 7), a grenade exploded outside the Bangkok Criminal Court in Chatuchak district, where the market is also a big hit with Singapore visitors.

On April 10, 2015, a car bomb exploded in the basement car park of Central Festival shopping mall in Koh Samui in Surat Thani province.

The most devastating incident happened last August when a bomb exploded at the famous Erawan Shrine near the busy Ratchaprasong intersection and Central World Shopping Centre in Bangkok, killing 20 including a Singaporean woman and injuring over a 100.

Another bomb exploded at Sathorn Pier, next to Taksin BTS station in the same month.

Related: Singaporean woman killed, husband injured in Erawan blast

The ministry said Singaporeans who need urgent consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok or the 24-hour Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office.

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Thailand
129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: +66-(2) 286-2111
Duty phone: +66-(81) 844-3580
Fax: +66-(2) 287-2578
Email: singemb_bkk@mfa.sg

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

chenj@sph.com.sg