The Official Website of the Department of Foreign Affairs - Republic of the Philippines

20 May 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Thailand reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Filipinos in Thailand are safe, in light of incidence of violence in the country.

"As of 9:00 a.m. today, the Embassy has not received information on any Filipino national getting hurt or being put in mortal danger because of the political turmoil," Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez said. "The Embassy has an Emergency Response Team whose primary task is to provide immediate assistance to Filipino nationals who have safety and security concerns.  The Embassy will provide assistance as appropriate, including immediate repatriation to the Philippine should this become necessary," he added.

The Embassy can be contacted anytime at telephone number (+66) 8 992 65954.

The DFA also continues to closely monitor the situation and is prepared to extend additional assistance when necessary.

"Although the Thai government has put an end to the anti-government mass rally, the political situation remains tense and would likely be so for the next couple of days.  In view of this, the Embassy strongly recommends that Filipinos defer all non-essential travels to Bangkok," Ambassador Rodriguez said.

A curfew was imposed over Bangkok and in 23 provinces from 8:00 p.m. yesterday to 6:00 a.m. today. At least 21 buildings, including the Thai Stock Exchange, several banks, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority headquarters, and the Siam Cinema in Siam

Square, were allegedly set on fire by demonstrators who did not agree with their leaders's call to end the rally. Red Shirt followers also rioted in several provinces in the northeast.

Yesterday, seven members of the Red Shirt leadership surrendered to the police.