Countries offer sympathy as recovery begins

Countries offer sympathy as recovery begins

China consul visits hospitals, calls kin

Tourists and pedestrians near the Ratchaprasong intersection looked to a policeman to guide them where to go on Tuesday, as they walked close to where forensic experts were examining the bombing scene. (Photo by PattanaPong Hirunard)
Tourists and pedestrians near the Ratchaprasong intersection looked to a policeman to guide them where to go on Tuesday, as they walked close to where forensic experts were examining the bombing scene. (Photo by PattanaPong Hirunard)

Condolences and swift condemnation of the bomb attack have followed the shocking Erawan shrine explosion on Monday night.

After a number of countries issued travel warnings to caution their citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in the diplomatic corps Tuesday to assure them the situation is under control.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed dismay at the attack, saying he offered condolences and "hopes those responsible will be brought to justice".

Ambassadors from 11 countries, charge d' affaires from 12 countries, 73 high-ranking officials and 10 representatives from international organisations in Bangkok attended the meeting at the ministry.

"We wanted to reassure the diplomatic corps that the government is here for them. We are ready to receive their concerns, and we can handle the situation," said Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Norachit Sinhaseni.

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed Tuesday that a British national was among those killed in the attack.

"I can confirm that one British national, a resident of Hong Kong, lost her life in the attack. British embassy staff in Thailand are assisting her family at this very difficult time," he said, urging UK nationals in Thailand to check the Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "deeply saddened" by the bombing.

The European Union sent "sincere condolences" to the victims and their families, and said "Our thoughts are with the people of Thailand at this time of shock and grief".

Similar outpourings of grief and sympathy were received from New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines Foreign Minister Albert Del Rosario.

Mr Del Rosario said the attack "apparently has the potential to sow terror and we condemn this in the strongest terms".

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, strongly condemned the bombing of the Erawan shrine at Ratchaprasong, and promised to liaise closely with Thai authorities to fight terrorism.

"The thoughts of all Australians are with the injured and the families of those who have lost their lives through this dreadful act," said Ms Bishop.

Similarly, Singapore and Malaysia denounced the act of terror and extended their deepest sympathies to the government and people.

While China expressed "strong condemnation" through its Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, the Chinese embassy issued a travel warning to its citizens already in Thailand or planning to travel from China, to take precautions when moving around Bangkok.

The embassy said it was concerned about their safety and has opened a 24-hour hotline number for emergencies. "Be extra vigilant and alert about your travel route," the embassy said.

However, no mention was made about terrorism or one theory that ethnic Uighurs might be tied to the blast.

Chinese embassy staff were sent to hospitals and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, where all 20 bodies are being kept, and said they were in the process of contacting the victims' relatives.

Chinese make up the highest number of foreign casualties in Monday's bombing; two mainland nationals and two Hong Kong citizens died, while 28 Chinese tourists were injured.

Although Australia has not yet changed its travel advice, the government requested Australian citizens to stay away from the Ratchaprasong intersection and follow the advice of local authorities for their own safety.

The US embassy in Bangkok released a similar message asking US citizens to avoid the area of the explosion and monitor local media for updates. The US diplomatic corps has strongly advised US citizens to subscribe to the State Department's programme to receive updates on the situation.

On Monday night, the future US ambassador to Thailand, Glyn Davies, who was nominated for the post on Feb 20, said he was saddened by the "tragic" incident. Mr Davies expressed his support to the victims and those who helped at the scene.

Mr Norachit, from the Foreign Ministry, thanked foreign leaders for their support.

"It is a sad day for Thailand, and I thank the various leaders who have expressed their condolences to the Thai people," he said.

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