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A HKSAR Government spokesman said today (November 29) that the six special flights operated by Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express and Orient Thai Airlines in the past two days had flown over 1,100 Hong Kong residents back to Hong Kong from Pattaya.
Cathay Pacific Airways will mount another special flight tomorrow (November 30) with a 385-seat aircraft, while more special flights are being lined up in the coming two days (December 1 and 2).
Furthermore, following close coordination with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peopleˇ¦s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a group of Hong Kong residents are on the way this evening to Guangzhou from Pattaya by taking a special flight arranged by the Mainland authorities. A certain number of seats will be set aside for Hong Kong residents in another special flight organized by the Mainland authorities will depart for Guangzhou tomorrow (November 30). Staff member from the HKSAR Guangdong Economic and Trade Office will assist with transport arrangement and immigration clearance for the Hong Kong residents when they arrive in Guangzhou.
The spokesman added: ˇ§Hong Kong residents encountering difficulties, including those who are running out of cash to pay for contingency expenditure, can approach our Immigration officers in Bangkok, who will provide practicable assistance.ˇ¨ As at 5pm today (November 29), the Immigration Department received 473 requests for assistance and 980 enquiries.
Although most parts of Bangkok are 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 Chinese Embassy in Thailand at (66) 818214771 or (66) 819840658, or the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Saturday, November 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:43
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