PHL Embassy in Thailand to remain open Oct. 27, 28, 31

Unless the flooding problem worsens, the Philippine embassy in Thailand said on Wednesday it will remain open on October 27, 28, and 31. In an announcement posted on its website, the embassy said it will keep its hotlines open 24 hours a day during those days. "Unless forced to close by the flooding, the Embassy will continue to operate during working hours (from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) on 27, 28, and 31 October 2011," it said. The Embassy said its hotlines are 08-9926-5954 and 08-4360-8405. On Tuesday evening, the embassy urged Filipinos in Bangkok and other flood-hit areas to save water, keep their passports and documents dry, and even to send a missed call to the embassy if they need help. It noted Thai science minister Plodprasop Suraswai had said stagnant flood water would remain for about one month, or one month and a half. The most critical period would be this week when the water level is high. "Don't wait for the eleventh hour," it advised Filipinos in flood-affected areas in Thailand. - VVP, GMA News