Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) EXPLOSION IN BANGKOK : THAILAND SITUATION UPDATE ON 22 AUGUST 2015 at 17.00 hrs.

Current Situation

A five-faith religious ceremony has been held yesterday in CentralWorld Square to pay respect to those who lost their lives as well as give moral support to those who were affected by Monday’s incident at Ratchaprasong’s Erawan Shrine. Organised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in collaboration with the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, the moving, early morning ceremony was conducted by representatives of Bangkok’s Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities.

The atmosphere in Ratchaprasong was solemn yet respectful as people listened to the prayers and chants of the religious leaders and looked back on the events of the last few days. It is believed that the ceremony helped to restore a sense of harmony to this special area of Bangkok.

The members of the five religious groups and members of the public, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister H.E. General Prawit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Witsanu Kruengam, the Prime Minister’s Office, H.E. M.L. Panadda Diskul, Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, and representatives of Bangkok’s diplomatic community were in attendance including British Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Mark Kent also presented and joined in with the laying of flowers in tribute and making merit and to show how the people of Bangkok remain united.

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.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced to waive the flight change surcharge for tickets issued by THAI sales offices in Thailand as well as overseas, as well as tickets issued online through www.thaiairways.com prior to or on 17 August 2015 during 18 August to 18 September 2015 for the convenience of customers who may not be able to travel. The waiver for flight changes will be allowed one time only for all routes specified on the passenger ticket, with the same ticket validity as specified in the original ticket and/or by 18 September 2015.

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) 2644 7245 / 2643 5522 / 85 065 9927

•    Tourist Police Hotline 1155

•    Suvarnabhumi International Airport +66 (0) 2132 4000

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

•    THAI Contact Center at Tel. 02-356-1111

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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