Hotline launched for Thais in Indonesia

BANGKOK, January 15 (TNA) - The Thai Embassy in Jakarta has launched a hotline, No. +62 811186253, for Thai people in Indonesia to reach the embassy for help around the clock in case of any emergency. Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee told journalists that the hotline number was launched on January 15, one day after a series of bombings and gunfire erupted in central Jakarta. The spokesman said that the Thai Embassy has not, however, prohibited Thai people from visiting the Indonesian capital, noting that most Thai travelers to Indonesia visit Bali. The spokesman stated that there has not been any impact on Thai people’s trips to Indonesia, but Thai travelers there should note the hotline number of the Thai Embassy or inform it of their names and places of accommodation. According to the spokesman, the violent attacks in Jakarta should not affect cooperation among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as they have exchanged intelligence reports, while the Royal Thai Police has stepped up protection for the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. (TNA)