The latest Bangkok advice for agents

Australians travelling to Bangkok are being warned to exercise caution following a bomb blast which killed at least 20 people and left 123 wounded.

Eight tourists from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore were among those killed in Monday’s attack.

Thai police on Tuesday reported a second explosion in Bangkok, with no injuries, a day after the deadly bombing outside the popular Erawan shrine in the heart of Bangkok’s tourist and commercial centre.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told parliament on Tuesday the “vicious attack” was clearly aimed at innocent people, but no Australians were known to have been harmed.

“Australians should continue to go to Thailand because the objective of the sorts of people who let off bombs in crowded cities is to scare us from being ourselves and we should never be intimidated by that,” Abbott said.

But Mr Abbott said anyone travelling to the country should exercise caution.

Qantas will help Australians who want to get out of Bangkok after the deadly bomb blast.

As a result of the attack, Thai Airways has announced a waiver on flight change surcharge now until September 18 2015 for the convenience of customers who may not be able to travel.

THAI’s president Charamporn Jotikasthira said that out of concern for its customers who may be unable to travel at this time following the explosion in the Rajaprasong intersection, THAI will waive the flight change surcharge for tickets issued by THAI sales offices in Thailand as well as overseas, as well as tickets issued online through www.thaiairways.com prior to or on August 17 for travel during August 18 to September 18 2015.

The waiver for flight changes will be allowed one time only for all routes specified on the passenger ticket, with the same ticket validity as specified in the original ticket and/or by September 18 2015.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement saying that overall life in the city is “continuing as normal.”

TAT said security in Bangkok has been increased “in all the popular tourist areas of the city as a preventative measure to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents” and has warned travellers to remain vigilant.

All public services and banks are available to the public. As for tourist businesses, other tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shopping malls remain open, while transportation links, major roads and airports continue to operate.

This includes Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT services and both Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports receive domestic and international flights.

“Despite the recent tragic events, Bangkok is still a very safe destination for tourists,” the Tourism Authority said in a statement.

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok issued a statement also saying that while the property received minor damage in the blast, it remained open and continued to operate as per usual.

“The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is our top priority. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok has elevated security following the incident. All perimeters have been secured and all bags and luggage are being checked at each hotel entrance,” the hotel said.

The Royal Thai Police have requested that locals and tourists exercise caution when out and about in Bangkok.

The Police have also increased their presence and put extra security in place at all of Bangkok’s key tourist areas in response to the incident. Citywide patrols are in place to ensure the safety of locals and visitors to the Thai capital.

The Australian Federal Police has offered forensic and investigative assistance to the Royal Thai Police.

The Erawan shrine sits at the foot of the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel and is surrounded by a string of other large hotels and malls that draw tens of thousands of visitors each day.

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