The Security Bureau advises Hong Kong residents to avoid unnecessary travel to India and Thailand, due to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and protestors' closure of Bangkok's airports.

Those already in these places should watch their personal safety and closely monitor the situation there.

Those needing assistance in India can call the Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline (852) 1868; the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi on (91) 11-24675259 or (91) 11-24675559; the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai on (91) 9820302548 or (91) 9892311482; or the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata on (91) 33 40048169.

As at 5pm, the Immigration Department had received 27 enquiries and four requests for assistance in relation to the situation in Mumbai.

'Global co-operation key': Ambrose Lee

Speaking from Tokyo yesterday, where he was meeting with Japan's Minister of Justice Eisuke Mori, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said the Mumbai terrorist attacks clearly show the importance of close co-operation among law-enforcement agencies from around the world in the fight against international terrorism.

Mr Lee said he was pleased to see that there had been close co-operation between the law-enforcement agencies of Hong Kong and Japan.

"This is particularly important for both sides to be able to effectively combat international terrorism as well as money laundering and drug trafficking," he said.

Bangkok 'generally calm'

The Hong Kong Government has been liaising closely with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong to keep abreast of the situation in Thailand.

Bangkok is reportedly generally calm except for some areas near Bangkok International Airport and Government House.

Hong Kong residents in Thailand who need help can call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline, (852) 1868, or the Chinese Embassy in Thailand at (66) 818214771 or (66) 819840658.

From November 26 to 11am today, the Immigration Department had received 510 enquiries and 84 requests for assistance in relation to the Thailand situation.

Flights cancelled

Due to the temporary closure of the Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport, all passenger flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok were cancelled for today. The Airport Authority advises passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport. 

The Security Bureau says the Hong Kong Government is in discussions with the airlines concerned to see if they can arrange special flights to take residents stranded in Bangkok back to Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific Airways arranged two flights to Pattaya to take Hong Kong residents stranded in Thailand back to Hong Kong. For details, see the airline's website.