The Tourism Authority of Thailand
said Tuesday that the government has increased security at “key tourist areas”
in Bangkok following Monday’s explosion at the Erawan Shrine, a popular tourist
attraction in the city.
The Royal Thai Police said 22
people were killed and 123 injured in the bombing.
Another bomb exploded Tuesday near
a ferry pier used by tourists, but no one was hurt or killed. According to
police, a pipe bomb was thrown from a bridge and fell into the Chao Phraya
River, where it exploded near the pier.
The tourism authority said
Bangkok’s airports and its railway transit (Skytrain and metro) remain open and
that tour companies and hotels continue to operate.
“The Thai tourism industry has
mobilized the support of its members to assist and facilitate tourists affected
by the incident, such as providing interpreters and helping with immediate
travel arrangements,” the authority stated.
Tour operator A&S Signature
Journeys said, “There are no disruptions in the daily operation of all tours,
transfers and sightseeing spots.” The exception is the Erawan Shrine. “It is
strongly recommended that all customers avoid the affected area until further
notice,” A&S said.
According to the Associated Press,
the Hong Kong government raised its travel alert for Bangkok to
"red," urging its citizens to avoid nonessential trips to Thailand.
The AP also reported that New Way Travel, a Bangkok-based agency that caters to
Hong Kong tourists, said all its tour groups scheduled to arrive in coming days
had canceled.