SINGAPORE: Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry says it is concerned about recent developments in Thailand and is monitoring the situation closely, following explosions at the Government House and Don Muang Airport in Bangkok.

In a statement, it says the well-being of Singaporeans is its primary concern, especially when there are many Singaporeans and other foreign tourists stranded in the country due to the airport closures.

Resorting to violence, it said, can never be justified, and it hoped all parties will exercise utmost restraint and find a peaceful resolution.

The Ministry says it is working closely with Singapore carriers to mount additional flights to move stranded Singaporeans out of Bangkok.

More than 400 Singaporeans are known to have left Thailand by two SIA and two JetStar flights out of U-Tapao Airport on Saturday.

These flights, which are in addition to the extra flights by Singapore carriers to Phuket and Chiangmai, will continue over the next few days.

SilkAir has announced it will be mounting two extra flights a day between Singapore and Phuket from Monday to Wednesday.

This is in addition to the four regular daily flights already on this route. Since November 28 (till Sunday), there have so far been six extra flights to Phuket and two to Chiang Mai.

In a statement, Singapore Airlines said it would continue its limited, twice-daily service between Singapore and U-Tapao till at least Wednesday (December 3).

However, it advised passengers to be patient as facilities at U-Tapao are basic and stretched.

With several airlines now operating from there, the airline says this is causing lengthy delays.

Singapore's embassy in Bangkok is also assisting about 100 Singaporeans to get confirmed seats out of the capital.

MFA repeated its advice to Singaporeans to postpone non-essential travel to Bangkok.

It says Singaporeans intending to travel to Thailand should closely monitor news developments there.

It also advised those deciding to travel to register at www.mfa.gov.sg.

This will enable the Ministry and Singapore embassy in Bangkok to contact Singaporeans in case of emergencies.

Singaporeans are also advised to avoid areas where there is a risk of violence and disturbance.

With the closure of the two main Bangkok airports, the Ministry says inconveniences in travel arrangements in other parts of Thailand are almost inevitable.

Singaporeans requiring assistance can contact the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok or the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel : 001-66-(81) 844-3580
Fax : 001-66-(2) 286-6966
Email : singemb_bkk@sgmfa.gov.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855 Fax: 6476-7302 Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg)