*************************************************
The three flights operated by Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express and Orient Thai Airlines had flown about 500 Hong Kong residents back to Hong Kong from Pattayaˇ¦s U-tapao Airport last night, a Government spokesman said today (November 29).
Another Cathay Pacific flight flew to Pattaya this morning. Hong Kong Express and Orient Thai Airlines have also each arranged a special flight to Pattaya today. The three flights will be able to bring a total of more than 600 Hong Kong people back home.
The spokesman said: "We welcome the airlinesˇ¦ arrangements in providing these special flights. Since the passenger facilities at U-Tapao Airport are very limited, there is difficulty in arranging more flights to fly from this airport. The Government is holding vigorous discussions with airlines with a view to arranging more special flights."
He said: "We understand that some individual visitors were not able to secure seats on these flights for Hong Kong in the past two days. Two Immigration Officers have arrived in Bangkok to provide every practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in need, including those who lack contingency expenditure."
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.
Hong Kong residents who need assistance may call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868 or the Chinese Embassy in Thailand at (66) 818214771 or (66) 819840658.
Ends/Saturday, November 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:44
NNNN
