As of November 28, 2008 / 14.00 hrs. (Bangkok Time)

Yesterday (November 27, 2008 / 19.00 hrs), the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Royal Thai Government informed the ambassadors/consuls of all foreign delegations in Thailand that the government was very concerned about the welfare and safety of all foreign nationals in the country, and that this was a very high priority.  They were also informed that all relevant government agencies and private sector associations were providing facilitation in the form of accommodation, meals, etc.  Furthermore, that the government would try to reopen Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports as soon as possible.

November 27, 2008 / 21.00 hrs
Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a State of Emergency for Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports only.   All related authorities at the airports are keeping the situation under control.

All other locations, tourist destinations and attractions nationwide are not being affected by this situation and are very safe for travel purposes.

The 35 TAT local offices have been told to facilitate tourists travelling at the various tourist destinations in Thailand, as well as those who are waiting for flights at provincial airports.

On the basis of assistance, for tourists and travellers who cannot travel to their destination as of 25 November, 2008, till the airport reopens, TAT and Ministry of Tourism and Sports have provided accommodation and meals, as well as facilitated tourists as much as possible until they are able to return to their destination. For more information regarding accommodation, please contact the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) (Tel: +66 2 237- 6064 – 8, +66 2 632-7400 – 2, website: www.atta.or.th ; e-mail: info@atta.or.th.)

Yesterday (November 27, 2008 / 17.45 hrs.), Thai aviation authorities gave airlines the green light to use U-Tapao Airport.  Mr. Chaisak Angkasuwan, Director General of the Civil Aviation Department said that he had authorized more than 20 airlines to utilise the airport, and already a number of flights had landed.  He also requested that Immigration and Customs staff to reinforce the number of staff at the airport.

THAI operates special flights from Phuket to Europe and Australia, more information on flight schedules are available at Phuket Airport.

THAI will operate a special flight, TG8534, on the route Hat Yai – Jeddah, utilizing Airbus A300-600 aircraft. Flight TG8534 will depart Hat Yai International Airport at 15.35 hrs. and arrive at Jeddah at 22.14 hrs. (local time).

Jetstar Asia will be re-commencing its Bangkok services; flights will embark and disembark at U-Tapao International Airport from this evening till further notice. The flight schedules are as follows:

SIN – UTP        3K 511    07.15 am – 08.35 am
UTP – SIN        3K 512    09.15 am – 12.40 pm

SIN – UTP        3K 513    06.50 pm – 08.10 pm
UTP – SIN        3K 514    08.50 pm – 00.05 am

Jetstar will be contacting the passengers who have made reservations on the flights and who were not able to fly due to the airport closure in Bangkok. The passengers should only show up at U-Tapao International Airport after they have confirmed their reservations with Jetstar Asia. For further information on flight schedules, reservations and latest updates during this period, passengers may contact Jetstar Asia’s 24-hours call centre, the toll-free numbers are:

Singapore:        800-616-1977
Bangkok:        1800-611-2957

Re: visa, for any tourist whose visa has expired since 26 November, 2008, till the airport reopens, there will be no penalty or charge for overstay from the Immigration Bureau.  However, tourists must show their original tickets, so they are not charged.

All other locations and tourist destinations and attractions nationwide are not being affected by this situation and are safe for travel purposes.