Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 906: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance being made available to Irish citizens caught up by the developing situation in Thailand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29821/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In light of the news that a coup was taking place in Bangkok on the evening of 19th September, contact was immediately established between the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Embassy to Thailand (which is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) and the Honorary Consuls in Bangkok and Phuket.

Initial reports to the Department suggested that the situation was calm and that there was no immediate threat to the safety of Irish citizens in the country. Civil order did not break down and there was no overt public opposition to the military's actions, which took place without violence. Bangkok Airport continued to function normally and the situation remained calm throughout Thailand.

Irish Embassies and Honorary Consulates in the region monitored the situation closely, reported back to the Department and were ready to offer all necessary consular assistance to our citizens.

When the coup was unfolding and in its immediate aftermath, there were a number of calls to the Department, the Embassy and the Honorary Consulates from Irish visitors to Thailand, their relatives at home, and from Irish citizens who were planning to travel to Thailand. Callers were informed of the unfolding situation on the ground.

The Department's travel advice on the website was regularly updated so that Irish citizens could make informed decisions before travelling to Thailand, or on whether to leave Thailand. The advice reflected a considered assessment of the risks involved and was based on the best information available to the Department from our missions in the region and from the foreign services of other countries. The advice offered was to stay indoors to the extent possible; to exercise caution if travelling around Bangkok; to avoid any street demonstrations and Government buildings; and to monitor local announcements, including in regard to possible restrictions on movement. The Department did not advise against travel to Thailand.

Our Embassy and our Honorary Consulates in Bangkok and Phuket also made contact with a number of Irish visitors on behalf of concerned relatives in Ireland. No reports were received from other sources indicating that individual citizens required consular assistance. The Department continues to monitor the situation in Thailand, and the Deputy can be assured that the Embassy and Consulates will continue to provide consular assistance should this prove necessary. However, at this time, the situation remains calm and does not seem to be a particular cause of concern. Any changes in the position will immediately be posted on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie.