DFA raises Alert Level 1 in Thailand

The Philippine government has raised Alert Level 1 in Thailand following Monday night's bombing incident in Bangkok that left over 20 people dead and many others wounded.

"Alert Level 1 (Precautionary Phase) is issued when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and external threat to the host country," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement Wednesday. "Filipinos are alerted to take necessary precautions."

The DFA advised Filipinos in Thailand to avoid the following areas, as specified by the Thai police:

a.    Rajaprasong intersection;
b.    Patumwan intersection;
c.    Silom road;
d.    Khao San road;
e.    Narathiwat intersection;
f.     Victory monument;
g.    Tuk Chai intersection;
h.    Benjasiri Park;
i.      Soi Thong Lor; and
j.      Sukhumvit Road.

The DFA also said the Philippine embassy is ready to extend assistance to the estimated 15,000 Filipinos in Thailand if necessary.

At least 22 people were confirmed dead by Thai police officials after a blast that hit Erawan shrine, a popular tourist destination located at one of Bangkok's major intersections.

A Filipino was earlier reported killed in the blast, although the DFA has yet to confirm this. It earlier said a Filipino woman sustained injury to her hearing due to the explosion.

Thai authorities are already hunting down a suspect in the bombing, spotted through security cameras, and his accomplices. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News 

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