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A Government spokesman said that as at 5pm today (September 1), the Immigration Department had received 27 requests for assistance in relation to the situation in Thailand. Most of the Hong Kong residents who requested assistance wanted to contact their relatives or concerned parties because of disruptions to their journeys as a result of the closure of Phuket Airport, or to seek updated information and other assistance. The Immigration Department followed up these cases as soon as they were received.
It was noted that Phuket Airport had reopened yesterday, and concerned airlines in Hong Kong had resumed their flights to and from Phuket. Among the requests received so far, 13 cases have been resolved following the reopening of Phuket Airport. The Immigration Department is following up on the remaining cases.
Hong Kong residents who are now in Thailand or plan to travel to the country should keep themselves up-to-date on developments there and pay attention to their personal safety.
The Immigration Department will continue to liaise closely with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to monitor the situation and render all practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in need. Hong Kong residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Monday, September 1, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:16
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