Hong Kong cancels Bangkok travel
HONG KONG – All Hong Kong package tours to Bangkok have been cancelled for one week after the SAR government – for the first time – hoisted the travel red alert, the Hong Kong Standard reports.
The call to halt the tours came after the Thai government invoked its internal security laws ahead of rallies in the Thai capital this weekend by supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Under a red alert – the second-highest level in a three-tier Outbound Travel Alert System – travellers are advised to avoid non-essential trips and adjust their travel plans because of a “significant threat.”
It is the first time such an alert has been issued in Hong Kong since the system came into operation in October last year. The highest level is black, or a “severe threat.”
Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong urged people planning to visit Bangkok to adjust their itineraries.
He also reminded Hongkongers now in the capital to avoid protest areas.
“Bangkok is a popular tourist destination for Hong Kong travellers. We have the responsibility to notify them,” he said.
Travel Industry Council executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said travel agencies were advised to cancel package tours leaving for Bangkok from today to next Wednesday.
Cathay Pacific last night said all rebooking/rerouting charges will be waived for all tickets issued in Hong Kong on or before yesterday for travel involving Bangkok till March 16.
Ian Jarrett
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