SINGAPORE - Singapore's Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA), in a statement released on Monday night in response to media queries, has condemned the bomb blast in Thailand's capital of Bangkok on Monday night that has killed at least 16 people, including foreign tourists.
It also said it was "saddened by the loss of innocent lives", and conveyed its condolences to the victims' families.
On reports that Singaporeans were injured in the blast, it said it was aiding the affected citizens, and was in contact with the Thai authorities. It is also contacting registered Singaporeans based in Bangkok.
In the statement, the ministry also urged Singaporeans in the Thai capital to take precautions and avoid the blast site.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a posting on Facebook on Monday night, said his "thoughts are with" those affected by the blasts.
He said staff from the Bangkok Mission have met the Singaporeans injured in the incident, and are rendering assistance to them.
Here is the full statement from the MFA:
"Singapore strongly condemns the bomb blast in Bangkok and is saddened by the loss of innocent lives. We convey our condolences to the families of the victims and hope the injured will have a speedy recovery.
"MFA and our Embassy in Bangkok have been monitoring developments closely. We have learnt that some Singaporeans were injured. Our embassy staff are rendering the necessary consular assistance to the affected Singaporeans. They are also in contact with the Thai authorities to check if there are any more Singaporeans affected by the bomb blast. MFA is also contacting registered Singaporeans based in Bangkok.
"MFA would like to urge Singaporeans in Bangkok to take the necessary safety precautions, including to avoid the vicinity of the explosion and to monitor the local news closely. They should contact the Singapore Embassy at +66 81 844-3580 or singemb_bkk@mfa.sg if they require any urgent assistance.
"Alternatively, they may contact the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800 / 8855 or mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg. Singaporeans who are in or visiting Bangkok are advised to register with the Singapore Embassy at http://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ "
