Thousands of Thais stuck in two Japanese airports
Published: 12/03/2011 at 12:00 AM
Some 2,000 Thai Airways International passengers, mostly Thais, are stranded at two international airports in Tokyo following yesterday's massive earthquake in Japan, the company said.
THAI chairman Ampon Kittiampon said the national carrier is considering sending charter flights to transport the passengers stranded at Narita and Haneda airports once the airports resume operations.
Thailand is unlikely to feel any impact from the tidal wave or the earthquake which triggered it.
The government has set up a coordinating centre to help Thai nationals in Japan.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the centre has been formed by the Foreign Ministry and the Labour Ministry and will work closely with Thai agencies in Japan.
The cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss aid to Japan.
The government yesterday allocated an initial sum of 5 million baht to help Japan, said Thani Thongphakdi, Foreign Ministry spokesman.
About 50,000 Thais live in Japan. Of them, 30,000 are in Tokyo and about 300 live in Miyagi prefecture, which was hit the hardest.
"The Thai embassy in Japan is now working with the Thai community in Miyagi to see whether any Thais were affected and what help we can offer," Mr Thani said.
Thais who cannot contact their relatives in Japan are asked to call the Consular Department on 02-575-1046-9 or 02-6435000.
Sumet Mahosot, the Employment Department deputy chief, said there are 19,700 Thais working in Japan but the effect on them is not yet known.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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