DFA ready to assist Filipinos who figured in brawl in Thailand

The Philippine government is ready to assist the Filipino nationals who reportedly figured in a brawl in Thailand, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Wednesday.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said while the Philippine Embassy in Thailand has yet to confirm whether there were Filipinos detained after the brawl, the DFA is ready to provide legal assistance if needed.

“Once may inaresto diyan (if ever they were arrested), we will provide them legal assistance as well,” said De Vega.

According to a report on Bangkok Post, the Filipinos figured in a brawl with Thai nationals in front of a hotel on Soi Sukhumvit 11 in Wattana district on Monday night.

It added that Thai police are checking if the involved Filipinos have valid visas or are working illegally in Thailand.

The DFA official, meanwhile, reminded Filipinos abroad to follow the laws of the host countries. 

“This is an opportunity for the DFA to remind our kababayans in Thailand and elsewhere that it is our responsibility to follow local laws and not cause trouble,” De Vega said.

“It is best to avoid problems or conflicts, especially with local citizens, if possible,” he added. —KBK, GMA Integrated News