BEIJING - The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) is paying close attention to the deadly explosion in Bangkok and will try to protect Chinese tourists in Thailand, it said Tuesday.

CNTA director Li Jinzao ordered the administration's Singapore office, which deals with tourism issues in Southeast Asia, to closely track any progress in the blast that killed at least 22 people, including?4 Chinese, in downtown Bangkok on Monday night. More than 20 Chinese were injured.

Li asked the office to assist the injured in their medical treatment, and demanded tour guides keep alert and help Chinese tourists to avoid danger.