Finda: Sunshine Coast

Features

Australia 'frustrated' with Thailand

1st December 2008

Suvarnabhumi international airport in Thailand, one month before the protests.

Suvarnabhumi international airport in Thailand, one month before the protests.

flickr.com/jason_weemin

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has expressed frustration with Thailand's failure to quickly evacuate Australians stranded in Bangkok because of the ongoing anti-government airport blockade.

Hundreds of Australians remain stuck in Bangkok after protesters seized control of the Suvarnabhumi international airport last Tuesday and the smaller Don Muang domestic airport last Wednesday.

Australian authorities have been negotiating with their Thai counterparts to put on more flights from Utapao, about 150km from Bangkok, and the tourist resort of Phuket, about 900km away.

But some of the few Australians who managed to get on planes out of a military base at Utapao at the weekend have complained that the flights were returning to Australia only half full.

Mr Smith said the main problem had been "logistical difficulties" in people being able to get access to the airports.

"We have been becoming very frustrated with the Thai authorities, particularly Thai airline authorities and tourism authorities," he told AAP.

"We are working with Qantas to get as many stranded Australians back to Australia as soon we can.

"But the two main airports in Bangkok are still closed, so we are looking to use a military airport 150km away and one in Phuket."

Mr Smith said once extra flights were organised to take Australians home, officials would organise buses to take the stranded tourists on the long journey to either Phuket or Utapao.

In the meantime, he hoped the political turmoil gripping Bangkok would be resolved peacefully.

"We are urging a peaceful and political resolution to it and the last thing we want to see is a military resolution," he said.

© AAP

Join the Discussion!

Comments (0) | Add Your Comments

Top Picks

Sunshine Coast

  1. /

  2. /

  3. /

  4. /

Local News

Daniel Watson almost lost his arm because of shortage of hospital beds. Bed shortage almost 'cost an arm'

A MINYAMA father has called for the Sunshine Coast's new hospital to be built faster, amid claims a bed shortage almost cost his son an arm.

  • Noosa Jazz Festival
    Saturday, 4 Sep, 2010 – 9am
    Noosa Heads
    The Noosa Jazz Festival will be offering a stellar line up that will be all genre of jazz music from the traditional to the more modern funk and blues. View details
  • Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Expo
    Saturday, 4 Sep, 2010 – 9am
    Maroochydore
    The expo specifically designed to increase awareness of health, wellness and lifestyle options through an offering of over 100 presentations and exhibit. View details
  • Noosa Country Show
    Friday, 10 Sep, 2010 – 9am
    Pomona
    The Noosa Country Show is set to be bigger, brighter and better than ever before. View details
  • Over the Fence Comedy Film Festival
    Friday, 10 Sep, 2010 – 7pm
    Nambour
    Eleven films make up this years short film event. View details
  • Noosa Biosphere Day
    Sunday, 19 Sep, 2010 – 10am
    Noosa Heads
    A free community event to celebrate the 'birthday' of the Noosa Biosphere designation in 2007. View details

      Ads by Google