DFA: No travel ban to Bangkok following blast

Police investigate the scene at the Erawan Shrine after an explosion in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, August 17, 2015. A large explosion rocked a central Bangkok intersection during the evening rush hour, killing at least 18 people and injuring others, police said. AP

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday morning said Filipinos who have scheduled trips to Thailand could proceed but should take precautionary measures.

“Kung may plano (na pumunta sa Thailand) siguro pwede pang ituloy pero iwasan yung mga mataong lugar sa Bangkok,” (If you have plans, perhaps you can go but avoid crowded places in Bangkok) DFA spokesperson Charles Jose told Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

He added, “Maraming ibang lugar na pwedeng puntahan sa Bangkok.” (There are other places you could go to in Bangkok.)

The DFA spokesperson said the agency had to assess the “overall situation before issuing a travel advisory.”

The reminder came several hours after an explosion rocked Bangkok and killed at least 18 people. Thai news agencies, quoting local police, said a Filipino was among the fatalities.

However, Jose said they had yet to verify the news.

He said they already sent someone to the Police General Hospital where most of the victims were taken.

Jose said the DFA was still waiting for the full report of the Philippine embassy in Thailand.

He explained that while media could quote people and claim certain facts, the Philippine government required “documentary evidence” to determine “100 percent” that a victim was indeed Filipino.

He said there had been instances when news reports came out with wrong information.

Reports said an improvised explosive device went off at the Erawan shrine in central Bangkok, which is among the most popular tourist spots in the city.

The explosion happened at about 7 p.m., when the shrine was crowded with locals and foreigners.