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Following discussions with the Government, Cathay Pacific Airways has arranged two flights to Pattaya to take Hong Kong residents stranded in Thailand back to Hong Kong, a Government spokesman said today (November 28).
The airline has already announced details of the flights including the fares.
The first Cathay Pacific flight left Hong Kong for Pattaya at 10am today. It will depart from Utapao Airport near Pattaya at around 2pm (local time) and is expected to arrive in Hong Kong at about 6pm today. The second flight will leave Hong Kong at 8am tomorrow (November 29), and take off from Utapao Airport at noon (local time) to arrive in Hong Kong at about 4pm the same day.
The Government spokesman said: ˇ§People who want to take these flights should make prior reservation and confirm their seats with Cathay Pacific before setting off to Utapao Airport.ˇ¨
Travellers can contact Cathay Pacific through the following hotlines:
Hong Kong: (852) 2747 6347
Thailand: 02 2630 623
02 2630 644
02 2630 664
Cathay Pacific has also maintained close liaison with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Dragonair will send bigger aircraft to Phuket tomorrow to fly passengers home.
The spokesman added: ˇ§We welcome the arrangements by Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair, which facilitate Hong Kong people stranded in Thailand to return home early.ˇ¨
Although most parts of Bangkok are generally calm, the Security Bureau repeated its advice that Hong Kong residents should avoid unnecessary travel to Bangkok. Those who are already in Bangkok are reminded to attend to their personal safety and avoid places where there are demonstrations or large gatherings of people.
Two Immigration Officers, who have already set off for Bangkok, are expected to arrive there in the afternoon. They will join staff of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to provide assistance to Hong Kong residents, such as providing them with information on transport from Bangkok to Utapao Airport.
Hong Kong residents who need assistance may call the Chinese Embassy in Thailand at (66) 818214771 or (66) 819840658 or the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Friday, November 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:22
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