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A spokesman for the Security Bureau today (December 3) reminded Hong Kong residents who planned to go to Thailand to pay close attention to the situation there. The spokesman reiterated that residents already in Bangkok should attend to their personal safety. Those who have to travel to Bangkok should confirm their transport and hotel arrangements before setting off.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government dispatched four charter flights to Pattaya to take 211 Hong Kong residents home on Monday and Tuesday. From 9pm yesterday to 9pm today, the Immigration Department received a total of 30 new requests for assistance. With the department¡¦s assistance, all the residents concerned are able to fly home today and tomorrow.
Since Suvamabhumi International Airport in Bangkok ceased operation on November 26 up to 9pm tonight, the Immigration Department has received requests for assistance from a total of 969 Hong Kong residents. Of them, 939 have since come back or will return to Hong Kong. The remaining cases mainly involve incorrect contact information or withdrawal of cases.
As the airport resumes operation gradually, the Government reminds people who plan to fly to or stop over in Bangkok to have their flights confirmed before starting their journeys.
The spokesman said: ¡§Subject to the airport resuming operation, we believe flights will be back to normal gradually. Hong Kong residents stranded in Bangkok and having difficulties in booking their flight back to Hong Kong or facing other problems can call the Immigration Department¡¦s hotline (852) 1868 for assistance.¡¨
Ends/Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 23:59
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