INTERNATIONAL SOS, CONTROL RISKS EVACUATE 36 MEMBERS FROM BANGKOK

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- International SOS and its partner, Control
Risks, have activated medical, logistics and security resources in Singapore,
Bangkok and London to assist clients and members affected by the closure of the
Bangkok International Airport.

According to a press statement today, both organisations have jointly
assisted 36 of its members to depart Bangkok via Rayong to Kuala Lumpur using a
private air charter service on Nov 29.

"We will actively continue to assist our members with evacuation planning
and logistical arrangements as well as advice to those who remain in the country
for essential reasons," said the press statement.

Both organisations which joined forces under a joint-venture agreement
earlier this year has convened a regional crisis management team and deployed an
operations team in light of the airport's ongoing blockade by
protestors.

"An operations team comprising medical, security and logistics experts to
provide additional support to the 24-hour International SOS Bangkok alarm centre
has been deployed. The situation is being closely monitored through the travel
security services team and is providing 24/7 support to members," the statement
said.

They have also advised their members on essential travel in Bangkok to
avoid all protests, maintain frequent contact with family and management staff
to communicate location and further plans, and reconfirm all relevant travel
arrangements and access to transport services.

Currently, approximately 100,000 foreign tourists are believed to be
stranded in Thailand due to the blockade.

International SOS is the world's leading integrated provider of medical
assistance, international healthcare and security services operating in over 70
countries.

Last year, the company handled over 810,000 assistance cases including more
than 16,000 evacuations.

Its partner, Control Risks, is a world leading independent security and
business risk consultant.
-- BERNAMA