Thai envoy OK with PH warning

THAILAND’S ambassador to the Philippines said the government’s advisory to Filipino citizens to avoid certain areas of his country’s capital city was “understandable” following the recent bomb attack on Bangkok that killed 20 people and injured scores of others.

“That’s understandable to me,” Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising told reporters during the foundation day reception of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier that day, the DFA issued a travel advisory placing Thailand under alert level 1 or precautionary status following the bombing at the popular Erawan Shrine in the heart of Bangkok on Monday night.

Filipinos were particularly advised to avoid at least 10 areas such as the Rajaprasong intersection, Patumwan intersection, Silom road, Khao San road, Narathiwat intersection, Victory monument, Tuk Chai intersection, Benjasiri Park, Soi Thong Lor and Sukhumvit Road.

Alert level 1 is issued when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability and external threat in a host country, the DFA said.

“The Philippine Embassy is ready to extend assistance, if necessary, to the estimated 15,000 Filipinos in Thailand,” the foreign office added.