Written answers

Thursday, 20 May 2010

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

5:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent advice he has issued to Irish travellers in Thailand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20871/10]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the well-being and welfare of foreign nationals in Thailand is monitored by the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21286/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 165 together.

The Department of Foreign Affairs provides travel advice to Irish citizens wishing to visit Thailand thought its website. The current advice can be found at www.dfa.ie. There are two Irish Honorary Consulates in Thailand, one in Bangkok and the other in Phuket which provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in that country.

The Department's travel advice is regularly updated and is designed to help Irish citizens make informed decisions before travelling overseas. It reflects a considered assessment of the risks involved and is based on the best information available to the Department. It draws on reports from Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad, and in the case of Thailand both our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which is accredited to Thailand, and the two Irish Consulates. It also reflects advice issued by other countries including Member States of the European Union, as well as other like minded countries. Every effort is made to ensure that the advice offered is accurate and up-to-date, particularly in a quickly changing environment.

The Department is currently advising against all but essential travel to Thailand and Irish citizens intending to travel are strongly encouraged to consider whether their presence in that country is absolutely necessary. However, the advice does not apply to passengers simply intending to transit Bangkok airport en-route to other destinations outside Thailand. The advice takes account of the current security situation that has existed since 7 April when a State of Emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Irish citizens residing in or intending to travel to Thailand are strongly advised to register their contact details with the Department through the voluntary on-line registration facility and these details can be used to make direct contact in the event that the situation deteriorates even further. Also, Irish citizens currently in Thailand should keep well informed of the developing situation on the ground, remain indoors should violence break out close to where they are staying, avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, avoid visiting Government agencies and avoid travelling to or through central Bangkok. If Irish citizens require assistance locally while in Thailand they can also contact the Irish Honorary Consuls in Bangkok and Phuket.

Ireland works closely with other Member States of the European Union in ensuring effective coordination of crisis plans and on the sharing and exchange of information on how to act together to assist all our nationals. To this end we hold regular teleconferences to share effectively all essential information and to coordinate any joint action that is necessary. I can assure the Deputies that the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation closely and will remain in regular contact with the Thai authorities and other EU Member States.

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