Stranded Balts in Thailand to return

Dec 02, 2008
In cooperation with BNS

Protests in Thailands Bangkok airports upset travelers and cost the country millions.

BANGKOK- Of the over 200 Baltic citizens still stranded in besieged Bangkok airports, about 160 are set to return as the situation improves.

The head of Latvia’s Emanija Travel agency, Ingus Tuns, told BNS that his clients will be flown out of a military airport not far from Bangkok to Turkey, where they will be flown home on Dec. 4.

The head also reported that airline ticket prices sky-rocketed on the black market with a single ticket costing an estimated 1,000 euro.

However, some 142 residents of Estonia will remain in Thailand with no word from the Foreign Ministry on their estimated return.

Travelers not associated with a travel agency are finding themselves in an increasingly tough situation, as agencies can only help their own clients. Individuals have reported trying to contact airline companies but have been unable to reach representatives, said Tuns.  

Despite the situation, travel agencies report that people are still applying for trips to Thailand, saying that the troubles are only temporary and plan to travel late December.

Supporters of Thailand's political opposition have blocked the two international airports in Bangkok since Nov. 26., paralyzing operations and leaving thousands of air passengers stranded. Thai authorities declared the state of emergency at both airports on Thursday, but the protesters are still refusing to disperse, while the Thai police are abstaining from using force.

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