Stranded Brits Must Fend For Themselves.....

[taxexile]

Anger of stranded Brits as Bangkok embassy 'closes'

Last updated at 11:12 PM on 29th November 2008

By Andrew Drummond

Britons stranded in Thailand complained they were not getting enough help from the British Embassy in Bangkok as tensions at besieged airports grew.

One visitor said the embassy was shut and another said he was unable to buy a flight out of the country until December 23.

As the occupation of the showcase Suvarnabhumi international airport reached the end of its fifth day, police were repelled for the second time in 12 hours by members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

A stranded passenger walks past a banner apologising for inconvenience at Suvarnabhumi airport. The black banner below in Thai reads 'Killer Tyrant'; protesters are calling on Thai prime minister Somchai Wongsawat to resign

The city's other main airport, Don Muang, is also closed. Airport officials said yesterday there will not be any flights until at least Monday.

The British Embassy in Bangkok has opened a ‘crisis’ centre for those running out of cash.

But when it came to getting home, the advice from London was for tourists to check with their airlines.

Among the 3,000 Britons stranded is the pregnant wife of England rugby league captain Jamie Peacock.

Trapped Briton Carol Hobbs told BBC Radio 5: ‘They seem to think because we are comfortable and safe, then that is fine. The embassy is closed and doesn’t open again until Monday.’

Tom Hovell, an IT consultant from Central London, arranged to fly out of a military airport. The 29-year-old said: ‘If we hadn’t sorted this out ourselves, we’d still be waiting.’

yes , stranded brits were left crying into their beer and phoning their mothers yesterday as highly paid diplomats turned their backs on their countrymen and closed the embassy.

i dont suppose that orgy of cucumber sandwiches and toothy guffawing known as the ploenchit fair had anything to do with it.

[PhilHarries]

It's funny how so many of my fellow Brits continually bleat on about the nanny state then at the first sign of trouble they flock teary eyed in front of the TV cameras bellyaching about how the embassy is not helping them. It's not like it's a civil war where all transport is shut down. They can still leave the country by other routes, they are being accommodated and fed and they can get emergency funds from the embassy if required.

But no, these bleating little lambs want wrapping in cotton wool and carrying back to mummy's arms.

The so called nanny state has only sprung up in the last ten years or so because the pathetic little wimps living there need nanny to gently wipe their noses and ar5es for them.

The above is a gross generalisation as there are a hel_l of a lot of good people left in Britain and in any case the true Brits stranded there in Thailand will be found in the bars having a good time.

[GayGordon]

Im sorry but i have to say if i "had" to get home id go by road or other means to another country close by and fly from there,im sure an airline worth its salt would arrange this for someone in this turmoil,.it seems some are acting as if they are actually stuck in thailand when this is not realistically the case, ..some people are making a drama out of a crisis i feel,.to sit around waiting for a swat team to arrive by helicopter isnt going to happen just yet,.

[garyh]

"Britons stranded in Thailand complained " how unusual

[grtaylor]

The so called nanny state has only sprung up in the last ten years or so because the pathetic little wimps living there need nanny to gently wipe their noses and ar5es for them.

Actually, I think its the other way round, the "pathetic little wimps" are the way they are BECAUSE the nanny state sprung up and did all it has done for/to them!

Edited November 30, 2008 by grtaylor

[toptuan]

...but notice the opposite "face" shown by the yellow vs. black banner.

Yellow: "Face to the foreigner" presentation. Conciliatory, apologetic, patient explanation. Almost friendly.

Black: The real underlying emotions. Death, murder, hatred.

Reminds me a little of the signs for admission fees in many Thai parks or amusements:

First fee: in western numerals. 500 baht (that's the farang price)

Second fee: in Thai script. 50 baht fee (for the Thai)

Hidden message: Screw the farang, he's got the money anyway.

Although I've lived here for many years, I still enjoy running about Thailand with my backpack on weekends. Being mistaken for a green tourist, I hear some very disturbing things said in Thai and Lao in my presence, assuming I don't understand.

A lot of hidden messages in Thai society. Good thing most tourists don't see them. The longer I live here the more I see (and hear) them. Still love Thailand, but it's a more knowledgeable affection, knowing where I may not over step my boundaries as a foreigner and "guest."

Edited November 30, 2008 by toptuan

[Soutpeel]

It's funny how so many of my fellow Brits continually bleat on about the nanny state then at the first sign of trouble they flock teary eyed in front of the TV cameras bellyaching about how the embassy is not helping them. It's not like it's a civil war where all transport is shut down. They can still leave the country by other routes, they are being accommodated and fed and they can get emergency funds from the embassy if required.

But no, these bleating little lambs want wrapping in cotton wool and carrying back to mummy's arms.

The so called nanny state has only sprung up in the last ten years or so because the pathetic little wimps living there need nanny to gently wipe their noses and ar5es for them.

The above is a gross generalisation as there are a hel_l of a lot of good people left in Britain and in any case the true Brits stranded there in Thailand will be found in the bars having a good time.

All so true......

Edited November 30, 2008 by Soutpeel

[cocopops]

'They seem to think because we are comfortable and safe, then that is fine.`

'If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting.'

Surely the journalist is taking the mickey.... These two are pretty pathetic individuals, hard to believe that the poms once had an empire if this is typical.

[Soutpeel]

'They seem to think because we are comfortable and safe, then that is fine.`

'If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting.'

Surely the journalist is taking the mickey.... These two are pretty pathetic individuals, hard to believe that the poms once had an empire if this is typical.

Was thinking the same thing myself, looks like the days of the stiff upper lip and tally ho chaps is long gone....more like quivering top lip and wetting the underpants is true these days..

[misterman21]

It's funny how so many of my fellow Brits continually bleat on about the nanny state then at the first sign of trouble they flock teary eyed in front of the TV cameras bellyaching about how the embassy is not helping them. It's not like it's a civil war where all transport is shut down. They can still leave the country by other routes, they are being accommodated and fed and they can get emergency funds from the embassy if required.

But no, these bleating little lambs want wrapping in cotton wool and carrying back to mummy's arms.

The so called nanny state has only sprung up in the last ten years or so because the pathetic little wimps living there need nanny to gently wipe their noses and ar5es for them.

The above is a gross generalisation as there are a hel_l of a lot of good people left in Britain and in any case the true Brits stranded there in Thailand will be found in the bars having a good time.

It is the system which breeds the kind of people you refer to. And for your info. all true brits don't spend their time in bars having good times. If I express my true thoughts as to what I feel for your insane thinking then i would be banned - just imagine my thoughts and be glad i never meet you to express them!

[Soutpeel]

All true brits don't spend their time in bars having good times.

Yes we do...it was alcohol, bars and "clubs" that fueled Empire... ....what would India have been without G&T ??

You seriously need to get a sense of humour...

[londonthai]

just a cheap journalism to fill up pages and sell papers.

what paper was it and where is the link?

the state can't organise lifting off their citisesns in such situations, on that scale and from that far away - still all the airlines and the other airports in thailand are functioning the political situation is not that dramatic, lifes are not threatened

[OlRedEyes]

It's not just the Brits, it's a whole generation of wimps we've bred worldwide that believes comfort is a human right and that the world owes them everything they may demand. The me generation. I suppose, collectively, we are responsible, we taught them they are special.

[ozsamurai]

New age metrosexuals, get over yourself! Get on a bus, hire a car, take a train.. Its not like your on an island... to55ers. If not then kick back, relax, enjoyed a longer holiday, drink that duty free booze, relax by the pool. But no, theyd rather whinge and wait for everyone else to align so their brains dont have to be used, pathetic....and the Brits are just as bad!

[taxexile]

the state can't organise lifting off their citisesns in such situations, on that scale and from that far away

November 29, 2008 - 5:41 Charter flight to evacuate Swiss from Thailand

Moves are underway to evacuate Swiss tourists stranded in Thailand, where anti-government protesters continue to block Bangkok's international airport.The travel insurance company, Elvia, said it would send a charter plane to U-Tapao,

BANGKOK -- Chinese aviation authorities are sending planes to Thailand to bring home the remaining stranded Chinese tourists after the closure of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Up to 3000 Chinese tourists are believed being trapped in Thailand.

HK sends more flights for passengers stranded in Thailand

read how the chinese , the hong kong , the swiss authorities and airlines and agencies from other countries are doing their best to get their citizens home , and compare that to the response offered by the europeans and the canadians.

Edited November 30, 2008 by taxexile

[HorseDoctor]

...but notice the opposite "face" shown by the yellow vs. black banner.

Yellow: "Face to the foreigner" presentation. Conciliatory, apologetic, patient explanation. Almost friendly.

Black: The real underlying emotions. Death, murder, hatred.

Reminds me a little of the signs for admission fees in many Thai parks or amusements:

First fee: in western numerals. 500 baht (that's the farang price)

Second fee: in Thai script. 50 baht fee (for the Thai)

Hidden message: Screw the farang, he's got the money anyway.

Although I've lived here for many years, I still enjoy running about Thailand with my backpack on weekends. Being mistaken for a green tourist, I hear some very disturbing things said in Thai and Lao in my presence, assuming I don't understand.

A lot of hidden messages in Thai society. Good thing most tourists don't see them. The longer I live here the more I see (and hear) them. Still love Thailand, but it's a more knowledgeable affection, knowing where I may not over step my boundaries as a foreigner and "guest."

So I'm not the only one who sees through the " smile"

And it's the tourist's fault for visitng a country with airlines that support an illegal demonstration and abandon thier economy class customers - yes " Farang" go elswhere isn't it clear that Tland cares nothing for you -

As for " Nanny " state - like the inexpicable alcohol bans? Or the ridiculous censor blur all over the TV screen ? Like an adult unable to view porn or buy sex toys? Or not be able to critisize (CENSORED) ?

Sounds like a nanny- anal state to me

Edited November 30, 2008 by HorseDoctor

[taxexile]

Bangkok Britons appeal for help

Thai police confront anti-government protesters in Bangkok

British travellers left stranded by anti-government airport protests in Bangkok say they feel abandoned and isolated with little prospect of getting home soon.

Members of one group of Britons caught up in events have been talking to the BBC about their plight and the knock-on effect on their lives back home.

JANE HEROD, ANAESTHETIST

The specialist paediatric anaesthetist was due to fly home from her holiday on Friday but has been told to expect delays of up to three weeks.

She now fears operations for some of her child patients may have to be cancelled.

The 41-year-old, who has worked in London at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children for seven years, has a list of operations to get through and says she has no idea how she will get home.

"We feel quite stranded... it's very frustrating," she said.

"The specialist neurosurgery list is difficult to cover at very short notice... if I'm not there someone else will have to come in at short notice and you put extra pressure on your work colleagues.

"It will be very tight for everyone else and there is a possibility the operating lists may be cancelled."

Dr Herod was due to administer general anaesthetic to children with leukaemia who are due to have chemotherapy on Tuesday and treat babies with cleft lips and palates on Thursday.

If we have to switch flights that could be thousands of pounds. I have no idea if our tickets are still valid

Dr Jane Herod

Thai police confront protesters

"It's a great inconvenience. The hospital has a very large catchment area and families put their lives on hold to bring their children to hospital," she said.

"If it [an operation] gets cancelled at short notice, it's very difficult for them."

Dr Herod, from Highgate in north London, is living in a hotel in Siem Reap in Cambodia with 15 others.

She was in Cambodia, having travelled through Laos from north Thailand, when she first found out via the BBC World Service about the demonstrations .

The Foreign Office has advised her group not to go to Bangkok airport and she said there is a two-week waiting list to fly to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

She also said their travel insurance is likely to be invalid because policies do not usually cover civil unrest.

"Our travel company has not been the most forthcoming... we're funding everything, we're out of pocket," she said.

"If we have to switch flights that could be thousands of pounds. I have no idea if our tickets are still valid."

ROSEANNE MEACHER, INTENSIVE CARE DOCTOR

The 43-year-old doctor, who helps runs the intensive care unit at London's Charing Cross Hospital, is part of the same group stranded in Cambodia.

She said her job at the busy 24-hour unit will be covered by her colleagues and patients will be looked after, but it will put intense pressure on them.

"You can't expect your colleagues to cover indefinitely, it could be weeks," she said.

"No shifts will be uncovered, but my colleagues will have to work in blocks and be on call constantly.

The terrible events in Mumbai have pushed Bangkok down the agenda

Dr Roseanne Meacher

"They will get exhausted and things will become more stressful and the possibility of errors will go up."

Dr Meacher, from Shepherd's Bush in west London, said the hardest thing is the uncertainty and lack of information.

"The terrible events in Mumbai have pushed Bangkok down the agenda. Getting through to the airlines is virtually impossible and we've just been told to hang on and wait by the travel company," she said.

"We have no idea when we will get out of here and there is a possibility we could be chucked out of the hotel.

"Every morning they let us know if there are rooms or not."

Dr Meacher first found out about the protests on Wednesday through the BBC World Service and says she is getting most of her information from the internet.

She has managed to speak to her mother back home but says there is a virtual information black-out.

TOM HOVELL, IT CONSULTANT

The 29-year-old from central London said he is on unpaid leave from Monday.

"There are a number of people who have become very upset. This has caused a lot of stress to themselves and family members back home," he said.

"It's the lack of knowing and the financial fear... you look on the internet and see the cost of a flight in the £2,000 bracket."

We got fed up with the lack of information and decided to look for a way home ourselves

Tom Hovell

He said a Foreign Office official told him the next available flight out of Bangkok and the surrounding area will probably not be until 23 December.

But he and 15 of the group of 16 have made their own arrangements to drive to Bangkok where they have been told they can get on a flight out of a military airport.

The 16th member of the group has arranged to fly home via Kuala Lumpur.

"We got fed up with the lack of information and decided to look for a way home ourselves," he said.

"If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting."

Mr Hovell says he hopes his backpacker insurance covers the costs of the hotels and extra travel - but he is not sure.

bbc news

[misterman21]

It's not just the Brits, it's a whole generation of wimps we've bred worldwide that believes comfort is a human right and that the world owes them everything they may demand. The me generation. I suppose, collectively, we are responsible, we taught them they are special.

Yes, I personally witnessed the transition to the 'me generation.' On leaving school and starting to workk it was common for my generation to pay 60% of our meagure wages to our parents. The next generation paid on average O - and infact looked for parental handouts. No wonder we have raised a bunch of useless pathetic individuals. Ofcourse there are many exceptions

[OlRedEyes]

Bangkok Britons appeal for help

Thai police confront anti-government protesters in Bangkok

British travellers left stranded by anti-government airport protests in Bangkok say they feel abandoned and isolated with little prospect of getting home soon.

Members of one group of Britons caught up in events have been talking to the BBC about their plight and the knock-on effect on their lives back home.

JANE HEROD, ANAESTHETIST

The specialist paediatric anaesthetist was due to fly home from her holiday on Friday but has been told to expect delays of up to three weeks.

She now fears operations for some of her child patients may have to be cancelled.

The 41-year-old, who has worked in London at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children for seven years, has a list of operations to get through and says she has no idea how she will get home.

"We feel quite stranded... it's very frustrating," she said.

"The specialist neurosurgery list is difficult to cover at very short notice... if I'm not there someone else will have to come in at short notice and you put extra pressure on your work colleagues.

"It will be very tight for everyone else and there is a possibility the operating lists may be cancelled."

Dr Herod was due to administer general anaesthetic to children with leukaemia who are due to have chemotherapy on Tuesday and treat babies with cleft lips and palates on Thursday.

If we have to switch flights that could be thousands of pounds. I have no idea if our tickets are still valid

Dr Jane Herod

Thai police confront protesters

"It's a great inconvenience. The hospital has a very large catchment area and families put their lives on hold to bring their children to hospital," she said.

"If it [an operation] gets cancelled at short notice, it's very difficult for them."

Dr Herod, from Highgate in north London, is living in a hotel in Siem Reap in Cambodia with 15 others.

She was in Cambodia, having travelled through Laos from north Thailand, when she first found out via the BBC World Service about the demonstrations .

The Foreign Office has advised her group not to go to Bangkok airport and she said there is a two-week waiting list to fly to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

She also said their travel insurance is likely to be invalid because policies do not usually cover civil unrest.

"Our travel company has not been the most forthcoming... we're funding everything, we're out of pocket," she said.

"If we have to switch flights that could be thousands of pounds. I have no idea if our tickets are still valid."

ROSEANNE MEACHER, INTENSIVE CARE DOCTOR

The 43-year-old doctor, who helps runs the intensive care unit at London's Charing Cross Hospital, is part of the same group stranded in Cambodia.

She said her job at the busy 24-hour unit will be covered by her colleagues and patients will be looked after, but it will put intense pressure on them.

"You can't expect your colleagues to cover indefinitely, it could be weeks," she said.

"No shifts will be uncovered, but my colleagues will have to work in blocks and be on call constantly.

The terrible events in Mumbai have pushed Bangkok down the agenda

Dr Roseanne Meacher

"They will get exhausted and things will become more stressful and the possibility of errors will go up."

Dr Meacher, from Shepherd's Bush in west London, said the hardest thing is the uncertainty and lack of information.

"The terrible events in Mumbai have pushed Bangkok down the agenda. Getting through to the airlines is virtually impossible and we've just been told to hang on and wait by the travel company," she said.

"We have no idea when we will get out of here and there is a possibility we could be chucked out of the hotel.

"Every morning they let us know if there are rooms or not."

Dr Meacher first found out about the protests on Wednesday through the BBC World Service and says she is getting most of her information from the internet.

She has managed to speak to her mother back home but says there is a virtual information black-out.

TOM HOVELL, IT CONSULTANT

The 29-year-old from central London said he is on unpaid leave from Monday.

"There are a number of people who have become very upset. This has caused a lot of stress to themselves and family members back home," he said.

"It's the lack of knowing and the financial fear... you look on the internet and see the cost of a flight in the £2,000 bracket."

We got fed up with the lack of information and decided to look for a way home ourselves

Tom Hovell

He said a Foreign Office official told him the next available flight out of Bangkok and the surrounding area will probably not be until 23 December.

But he and 15 of the group of 16 have made their own arrangements to drive to Bangkok where they have been told they can get on a flight out of a military airport.

The 16th member of the group has arranged to fly home via Kuala Lumpur.

"We got fed up with the lack of information and decided to look for a way home ourselves," he said.

"If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting."

Mr Hovell says he hopes his backpacker insurance covers the costs of the hotels and extra travel - but he is not sure.

bbc news

And in Haiti they are eating mud cookies to try and survive. As I said, wimps, who panic and cry at any slight disruption of their carefully planned and controlled lives.

"If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting."

This sentence sums it up. Big <deleted> deal. They had to do something for themselves. My heart bleeds for them.

Edited November 30, 2008 by OlRedEyes

[sweenytodd]

yes , stranded brits were left crying into their beer and phoning their mothers yesterday as highly paid diplomats turned their backs on their countrymen and closed the embassy.

dosen`t stop a lot of them behaving like a bunch of drink fueled ass-holes though, especially the steroid-like nut who done nothing bar abuse staff at the 7/11 last night. makes you ashamed to be a brit imo, thank god i`m scottish

[grahamhc]

All true brits don't spend their time in bars having good times.

Yes we do...it was alcohol, bars and "clubs" that fueled Empire... ....what would India have been without G&T ??

You seriously need to get a sense of humour...

Arrrrh... Happiness ...

Yes, I am a Brit. I don't winge. I grab another G&T - Mozzies are scared of me and I enjoy living in Thailand.

[HorseDoctor]

It's not just the Brits, it's a whole generation of wimps we've bred worldwide that believes comfort is a human right and that the world owes them everything they may demand. The me generation. I suppose, collectively, we are responsible, we taught them they are special.

Yes, I personally witnessed the transition to the 'me generation.' On leaving school and starting to workk it was common for my generation to pay 60% of our meagure wages to our parents. The next generation paid on average O - and infact looked for parental handouts. No wonder we have raised a bunch of useless pathetic individuals. Ofcourse there are many exceptions

Maybe this was before is before social secrity or NHS? Consider the newer generation pay high taxes which is distributed through these programs. how many sick beggars in London compared to Bangkok?

At least the "nanny state" in UK is about safety, Thailand - it's about thought and genital control.

[OlRedEyes]

It's not just the Brits, it's a whole generation of wimps we've bred worldwide that believes comfort is a human right and that the world owes them everything they may demand. The me generation. I suppose, collectively, we are responsible, we taught them they are special.

Yes, I personally witnessed the transition to the 'me generation.' On leaving school and starting to workk it was common for my generation to pay 60% of our meagure wages to our parents. The next generation paid on average O - and infact looked for parental handouts. No wonder we have raised a bunch of useless pathetic individuals. Ofcourse there are many exceptions

Maybe this was before is before social secrity or NHS? Consider the newer generation pay high taxes which is distributed through these programs. how many sick beggars in London compared to Bangkok?

At least the "nanny state" in UK is about safety, Thailand - it's about thought and genital control.

Yea, they pay taxes so that is the end of their responsibility towards themselves and society. Paying taxes gives them the right to whinge and whine at everyone and everything that displeases them. Someone, it's time to change my nappy........

The attitude that spells the demise of the west.

Edited November 30, 2008 by OlRedEyes

[simon43]

In all fairness, I note that the new British Consul for Phuket was at Phuket Airport this morning to assist and advise stranded British nationals. A representative from the Australian Embassy was also present.

Simon

[HorseDoctor]

Bangkok Britons appeal for help

Thai police confront anti-government protesters in Bangkok

British travellers left stranded by anti-government airport protests in Bangkok say they feel abandoned and isolated with little prospect of getting home soon.

Members of one group of Britons caught up in events have been talking to the BBC about their plight and the knock-on effect on their lives back home.

JANE HEROD, ANAESTHETIST

The specialist paediatric anaesthetist was due to fly home from her holiday on Friday but has been told to expect delays of up to three weeks.

She now fears operations for some of her child patients may have to be cancelled.

The 41-year-old, who has worked in London at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children for seven years, has a list of operations to get through and says she has no idea how she will get home.

"We feel quite stranded... it's very frustrating," she said.

"The specialist neurosurgery list is difficult to cover at very short notice... if I'm not there someone else will have to come in at short notice and you put extra pressure on your work colleagues.

"It will be very tight for everyone else and there is a possibility the operating lists may be cancelled."

Dr Herod was due to administer general anaesthetic to children with leukaemia who are due to have chemotherapy on Tuesday and treat babies with cleft lips and palates on Thursday.

If we have to switch flights that could be thousands of pounds. I have no idea if our tickets are still valid

Dr Jane Herod

Thai police confront protesters

"It's a great inconvenience. The hospital has a very large catchment area and families put their lives on hold to bring their children to hospital," she said.

"If it [an operation] gets cancelled at short notice, it's very difficult for them."

Dr Herod, from Highgate in north London, is living in a hotel in Siem Reap in Cambodia with 15 others.

She was in Cambodia, having travelled through Laos from north Thailand, when she first found out via the BBC World Service about the demonstrations .

The Foreign Office has advised her group not to go to Bangkok airport and she said there is a two-week waiting list to fly to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

She also said their travel insurance is likely to be invalid because policies do not usually cover civil unrest.

"Our travel company has not been the most forthcoming... we're funding everything, we're out of pocket," she said.

"If we have to switch flights that could be thousands of pounds. I have no idea if our tickets are still valid."

ROSEANNE MEACHER, INTENSIVE CARE DOCTOR

The 43-year-old doctor, who helps runs the intensive care unit at London's Charing Cross Hospital, is part of the same group stranded in Cambodia.

She said her job at the busy 24-hour unit will be covered by her colleagues and patients will be looked after, but it will put intense pressure on them.

"You can't expect your colleagues to cover indefinitely, it could be weeks," she said.

"No shifts will be uncovered, but my colleagues will have to work in blocks and be on call constantly.

The terrible events in Mumbai have pushed Bangkok down the agenda

Dr Roseanne Meacher

"They will get exhausted and things will become more stressful and the possibility of errors will go up."

Dr Meacher, from Shepherd's Bush in west London, said the hardest thing is the uncertainty and lack of information.

"The terrible events in Mumbai have pushed Bangkok down the agenda. Getting through to the airlines is virtually impossible and we've just been told to hang on and wait by the travel company," she said.

"We have no idea when we will get out of here and there is a possibility we could be chucked out of the hotel.

"Every morning they let us know if there are rooms or not."

Dr Meacher first found out about the protests on Wednesday through the BBC World Service and says she is getting most of her information from the internet.

She has managed to speak to her mother back home but says there is a virtual information black-out.

TOM HOVELL, IT CONSULTANT

The 29-year-old from central London said he is on unpaid leave from Monday.

"There are a number of people who have become very upset. This has caused a lot of stress to themselves and family members back home," he said.

"It's the lack of knowing and the financial fear... you look on the internet and see the cost of a flight in the £2,000 bracket."

We got fed up with the lack of information and decided to look for a way home ourselves

Tom Hovell

He said a Foreign Office official told him the next available flight out of Bangkok and the surrounding area will probably not be until 23 December.

But he and 15 of the group of 16 have made their own arrangements to drive to Bangkok where they have been told they can get on a flight out of a military airport.

The 16th member of the group has arranged to fly home via Kuala Lumpur.

"We got fed up with the lack of information and decided to look for a way home ourselves," he said.

"If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting."

Mr Hovell says he hopes his backpacker insurance covers the costs of the hotels and extra travel - but he is not sure.

bbc news

And in Haiti they are eating mud cookies to try and survive. As I said, wimps, who panic and cry at any slight disruption of their carefully planned and controlled lives.

"If we hadn't sorted this out ourselves, we'd still be waiting."

This sentence sums it up. Big <deleted> deal. They had to do something for themselves. My heart bleeds for them.

Two airports under contol of mobs, mobs shown firing guns on internatinal news a govt paralysed with fear- Industry and billions of baht lost,

I'd say tourists are undergoing more than a " slight disruption".

Good thing about all this is that finally the world is getting a glimpse of the real Thailand even though BBC is trying its best to show only clapper grandmothers in the mob, notice how they've stopped broadcasting the gun firing PAD " Security" .

[JimsKnight]

It's funny how so many of my fellow Brits continually bleat on about the nanny state then at the first sign of trouble they flock teary eyed in front of the TV cameras bellyaching about how the embassy is not helping them. It's not like it's a civil war where all transport is shut down. They can still leave the country by other routes, they are being accommodated and fed and they can get emergency funds from the embassy if required.

But no, these bleating little lambs want wrapping in cotton wool and carrying back to mummy's arms.

The so called nanny state has only sprung up in the last ten years or so because the pathetic little wimps living there need nanny to gently wipe their noses and ar5es for them.

The above is a gross generalisation as there are a hel_l of a lot of good people left in Britain and in any case the true Brits stranded there in Thailand will be found in the bars having a good time.

Yes, I think there will be a lot tougher times for people in general and the mainstream Brits crying into their beer need to get tougher.

Hopefully they'll not return until they've got a spinal implant

[Neeranam]

any case the true Brits stranded there in Thailand will be found in the bars having a good time.

Not all stranded Brits are alcoholic whoremongers.

[Soutpeel]

any case the true Brits stranded there in Thailand will be found in the bars having a good time.

Not all stranded Brits are alcoholic whoremongers.

You of course are quite correct..not all stranded Brits are alcoholic whoremongers...only 95% of them

[12DrinkMore]

I am a Brit and I am fed up with the British attitude.

- "Someone else is responsible"

- "Somebody will pay for this"

- "Why isn't somebody doing something for me?"

and for the doctor/nurse above

- "I am indispensable and so important, that the world cannot do without me"

HAH!

Sorry, the UK has not been the centre of the Universe for a long time and has NOTHING to offer the rest of the world.

Resting on the laurels of a vanished empire, being on the winning side of a couple of World Wars, playing football (now with the majority of the players being foreign) and above all speaking English (to varying degrees of fluency) is no longer applicable.

Britain is no longer Great, there is no British Empire. Just a bunch of moaners, complainers and idiots like Brown and Gordon. I guess the Brits have voted for what they want.

Sometimes, increasingly often, I wish that I had been born somewhere else.

30 years out of the UK and still suffering at the hands of an incompetent administration.

[pauleddy]

I sympathise with Dr-this and Mr-That but they sound a bit whingey.

"We came here to re-connect with Thailand- or Bali-type sex/drugs/religion/beads and CDs/beaches but now look. we have been shafted. just like we are shafting. And because we are very important doctors or travel agents we can tell everyone to worry because we are indispensible"

Sure, sure