Hong Kong downgrades travel warning for Thailand as terror threat diminishes in wake of Bangkok bombing

The Hong Kong government on Tuesday downgraded the red travel warning to Thailand to an amber alert, as the threat of terrorism dissipated six weeks after the deadly Erawan shrine bombing in Bangkok.

The Security Bureau issued the red outbound travel alert for Thailand – which advised travellers to “avoid non-essential travel” – because of “significant threat” a day after a bomb attack targeted one of the city's busiest tourist attractions, on August 17.

Two Hong Kong residents were killed and six others injured in the terror attack, which claimed 21 lives and injured 120 others.

The amber warning means that Hong Kong residents who intend to visit the country, or are already there, should still exercise caution.

Travellers to the popular tourist destination are advised to attend to personal safety, pay attention to announcements by local authorities and avoid large gatherings of people.

Hong Kong's Security Bureau said it would continue to monitor the situation in Thailand and would issue updates via the media and its travel alert web page.

The red travel alert is the middle level on the bureau’s three-tiered scale

Hong Kong residents in Thailand who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit on (852) 1868, or contact the Chinese embassy in Thailand via the 24-hour consular protection hotline at (66) 854833327.