The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday urged Hong Kong residents in Thailand to be careful in the wake of a coup in the country.

Ambrose S K Lee, HKSAR secretary for Security, said the government had contacted the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, as well as the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, immediately after the coup.

"The latest news is that all Hong Kong residents in Thailand are quite safe. We have not received any request for assistance," he said, adding "I wish to appeal to Hong Kong residents in Thailand to take care of themselves, their property and their personal safety."

He said if Hong Kong residents want any help, they can contact the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, or they can telephone the HKSAR Immigration Department's 24 hour hotline 1868.

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2006)