EXPLOSION IN BANGKOK : THAILAND SITUATION UPDATE ON 18 AUGUST 2015

Current Situation

On 17 August 2015 at approximately 19.00 hours, an improvised explosive device (IED) went off at the Rachaprasong intersection in central Bangkok, resulting in a number of fatalities and injuries including foreign nationals.

TCEB, and the Royal Thai Government, expresses its deep condolences to the victims and families of this tragedy.

Security officials immediately secured the Rachaprasong area to conduct investigation and ensure public safety and security. Other parts of Bangkok were not impacted.

Emergency services and first aid responders were on the scene and those injured have been given full medical attention. The injured are being treated in nearby hospitals, including Police, Chulalongkorn, Rachavidhi and Ramadibodhi Hospitals. The Erawan Emergency Service Centre will provide regular updates about the conditions of those hospitalized.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed deep concern for the victims and instructed security officials to investigate with a view to maintaining public safety and security. It is too early to determine the possible motives or who the perpetrators may be.

The public are advised to remain calm and monitor the situation regularly as security agencies conduct their operations.

Operation of the MICE Industry

International stakeholders are advised that Thailand’s MICE industry continues to operate as normal, and all public and private sector stakeholders are working together to monitor the situation. All hotels, venues and attractions are open and ready to welcome travellers. Transportation links, major roads and airports continue to operate, including Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT services and both Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports.

As the government’s flagship body for the MICE sector, TCEB will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Should travellers require any further information, please call TCEB office: +66 (0) 2694 6000, TCEB call centre at 1105 (within Thailand only), visit www.tceb.or.th or contact info@tceb.or.th, or contact these relevant authorities:

•    Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672

•    Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hotline +66 (0) 2 644 7245 /+ 66 (0) 2 643 5522

•    Narenthorn EMS Center 1669

•    Suwannabhumi International Airport +66 (0) 2132 4000

•    Don Muang International Airport +66 (0) 2535 1616

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For more information please contact:

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel +66 2 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang    Tel +66 2 694 6006    Email: kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton    Tel +66 2 694 6096    Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th