Travel Alternatives And Airline Contact Numbers

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Bangkok Airport Closures: Information for New Zealanders

2 December 2008

There is a lack of hard information available to stranded passengers.

We are trying to fill that gap. We can provide you with details about accommodation and travel options. And we are updating that information daily or more regularly.

But reaching out to New Zealanders is proving difficult. We are using our website. People are coming to the Embassy or phoning us. We are visiting hotels and hostels and airline offices. But this is a big city and our resources are stretched.

Please help us to help you. Please register on www.safetravel.govt.nz And please keep in touch with us. We are operating a 24 hour emergency phone service. If we don't get back to you then you should not hesitate to get back to us.

Most people are happy to receive information and advice and then make their own plans for getting out of Thailand. This is appreciated. But if you have a serious medical condition or are in other emergency circumstances and need to depart Thailand urgently then please contact us and we will do what we can facilitate your departure, although even then you should expect delays..

If you need our help, or if you are frustrated and at a loss, then we would rather hear about it from you sooner than later.

On a related matter, the overall political situation in Bangkok is extremely tense at the moment and there is a risk of violence. You should therefore follow the advice contained in our travel advisory:

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political rallies, protests and demonstrations. You should also comply with any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities. New Zealanders are advised to monitor events closely and remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice.

Please pass this information to as many other New Zealanders as possible. You are a key part of our outreach machinery.

Contact Information:

New Zealand Embassy address: 14th Floor, M Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330

New Zealand Embassy website: www.nzembassy.com/thailand

New Zealand Embassy telephone 02 254 2530 or 081 837 7240

Thai Government call centres:

Emergency Tourist Assistance Centre: 1414, 02 356 0720, 02 356 0720

Tourist Police: 1155

Tourism Authority of Thailand: 1672

Thai Hotel Association: 02 281 9496, 1552

Association of Thai Travel Agents: 02 632 7400-7402

Bangkok airport closures: information for New Zealanders wishing to leave Bangkok

The information contained in this update is the best we are able to provide as at 1400 on Tuesday 2 December. The situation is changing. For further updates please contact your airline, or refer to www.nzembassy.com/thailand.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Domestic Airport remain closed. The New Zealand Embassy is working with the Thai authorities and travel operators to provide advice to New Zealanders regarding options for outward travel from Bangkok while normal flight schedules remain suspended. The Airports of Thailand has said that it will take at least one week to make the airports operational once protesters have left them. A number of aircraft stranded at Suvarnabhumi have been released. This may allow some airlines to offer a larger number of flights from other airports in Thailand in the coming days.

Prime Minister John Key said on 2 December that he will ask the Royal New Zealand Air Force to deploy a Hercules aircraft to either Malaysia or Singapore to be on standby if needed, to shuttle New Zealanders out of Thailand. This is very much a precautionary measure. A decision will be made in the next 24-48 hours about whether the Hercules will be needed.

Advice to stranded New Zealanders in Thailand continues to be to contact their airline to arrange re-ticketing on commercial flights leaving Thailand, or pursue overland options.

The situation regarding travel is fluid, and we recommend that you keep in contact with your airline, as temporary arrangements for flights may alter. There have been suggestions that flights may start to operate from other airports, including Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in coming days, but we have no further information at this stage.

We also ask that you keep the Embassy informed of your travel plans, and that you provide us with up to date contact details in Thailand. We may need to contact you, including about any decisions that may be taken by the Government to use the pre-deployed RNZAF aircraft.

A number of commercial airlines are now operating limited flights from U-Tapao Airport (appx 160 km south of Bangkok) to a number of destinations. Do not go to U-Tapao in the hope of accessing a flight without first confirming arrangements with your airline and ensuring your ticket is validated. You will not be able to board a flight in U-Tapao unless your ticket has first been validated in Bangkok and, we understand, are in possession of a valid boarding pass. We reiterate that arrangements are very fluid, and are frequently changing. You must confirm details directly with your airline.

Those passengers whose travel has been arranged by an agent may be able to receive additional advice on alternative options from their travel agent.

Those passengers with validated tickets for flights from U-Tapao should seek instructions from their airline regarding check-in, transport and access to U-Tapao. Temporary check-in venues are moving, and passengers must get up-to-date information from their airline.

Some check-ins are being carried out at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), building EH-106. BITEC is situated at 88 Bang-Na Trad Road - a taxi ride from BTS On Nut station. We have been advised that you should check-in at BITEC at least 7 hours before the scheduled departure of your aircraft from U-Tapao. Passengers will be bussed from BITEC to U-Tapao, but please note the bus is filled on a first come first served basis. Plan to arrive early. You should not travel to BITEC without a validated ticket for a confirmed flight from U-Tapao.

U-Tapao airport is under extreme pressure. Anyone with confirmed flights from U-Tapao should be prepared for long waits, and should therefore carry sufficient water, food and other personal necessities in preparation for this. There is limited shelter available. There is a medical centre operating, but toilet arrangements are primitive.

Information regarding a number of airlines follows. Passengers holding tickets on other airlines should contact their airline to confirm whether any arrangements are currently in place.

Thai Airways

Those holding tickets on THAI flights originally scheduled to depart from Bangkok can have these revalidated for travel out of U-Tapao (including to Sydney for those holding tickets on flights to Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). Priority will be given to returning passengers. Current indications are that there may be a wait of around 3-4 days for seats on THAI flights out of U-Tapao. Passengers wishing to reserve a seat on these flights must therefore physically take their existing ticket and passport to a THAI sales office for revalidation:

Head Office at Chatuchak: 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road (BTS Mo Chit)

Larnluang Road Office: 6 Larnluang Road

Silom Office: BUI Building, 175-177 Soi Anumanrachthon, 1 Surawong Rd

Singapore Airlines and Silk Air

Passengers holding tickets on Singapore Airlines (SQ) flights originally scheduled to depart from Bangkok can have these revalidated for travel from U-Tapao. SQ is operating two flights per day from U-Tapao to Singapore only. Priority will be given to passengers holding one-way returning tickets. Passengers wishing to reserve a seat on these flights must physically take their existing ticket and passport to the SQ office for revalidation.

SilkAir is accepting tickets for SQ flights originally scheduled between Bangkok and Singapore (from 26 November) for travel on Phuket-Singapore or Chiang Mai-Singapore flights, without additional charges. SilkAir has made some additions to these regular services for the rest of the week, and will add further capacity in the coming days, if demand requires.

Level 12, Silom Centre

2 Silom Road (near Lumphini Park)

BTS Sala Daeng, MRT Silom

02 353 6000 (Bangkok)

076 304 018/19/20 (Phuket)

+65 6 2238 888 (Singapore)

Emirates Airlines

Emirates Airlines (EK) is not operating flights of U-Tapao. Passengers holding EK tickets should take these and their passport the EK office in Bangkok to receive advice on possible alternative flights. Emirates has informed us they may endorse transfer to other airlines if requested, on a case by case basis. You will need to visit the EK office in person to discuss this possibility.

We understand that passengers booked on flights out of Bangkok may choose to travel out of another airport from which Emirates operates, such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong. Emirates advises that re-booking or re-issue charges will be waived, and the fare paid to/from Bangkok will be honoured for travel to/from the alternative airport. This is subject to seat availability. Please note the New Zealand Embassy advises against overland travel from Thailand to Malaysia (see below).

Level 2, BB Building

54 Asok Road (Soi Sukhumvit 21)

BTS Asok, MRT Sukhumvit

02 664 1040

Royal Brunei

Royal Brunei is not currently operating alternative flights for passengers holding tickets for flights originally scheduled to depart from Bangkok. Alternative services to Brunei may be commencing later in the week, but this is as yet unconfirmed. Passengers holding Royal Brunei tickets should take these and their passport the Royal Brunei office in Bangkok, or alternatively fax their details to the office.

Level 17, U Chu Liang Building

968 Rama IV Road

Tel: 02 637 5151

Fax: 02 637 5885

Qantas and Jetstar

We understand that Qantas Airways (QF) and Jetstar are offering some special flights from Phuket to Singapore for those passengers with tickets for flights originally scheduled to depart from Bangkok. Tickets will be re-routed for onward travel from Singapore, but passengers should expect delays due to increased load factors.

Passengers holding QF and Jetstar tickets should call the relevant numbers listed below to register their details, including original flight number and local contact details. They will then be contacted by airline staff, who will advise special flights details. We understand that passengers who have confirmed seats on the Phuket-Singapore flights will be transported to Phuket from Bangkok by road.

Qantas passengers: 02 627 1800 or 02 627 1700

Jetstar passengers: 02 236 2800 or 02 234 0031-4

F21, Charn Issara Tower

942/160-163 Rama 4 Rd

(Charn Issara Tower is on Rama IV, between Silom Rd and Suriwong Rd. 5 minutes walk from Skytrain Sala Daeng or MRT Silom)

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways has launched special flights between Hua hin and Ko Samui twice a day in order to serve passengers travelling to Singapore or Hong Kong via Samui. This may provide additional options for those passengers wanting to travel to these regional hubs.

99 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road

BTS Mo Chit, MRT Chatuchak

1771, or 02 265 8777

Thai Air Asia

Budget airline Air Asia is offering special flights from U-Tapao, Chiang Mai and Phuket to various destinations in Asia, including the regional hubs of Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Reservations can be made online at www.airasia.com. For information and flight schedules, passengers should call the following numbers:

02 515 9999 (Bangkok)

053 904 800-3 or 053 234 645 (Chiang Mai)

076 328 601-2 (Phuket)

Other options

Travellers considering the following options are strongly urged to seek detailed advice from a travel agent or airline before commencing lengthy overland travel. There could be implications related to the terms and conditions of any existing airline tickets. You should also check on visa requirements for overland entry.

PHUKET (800km, 11 hours by land/rail). Some people have hired taxis (9,500 baht) to travel to Phuket. Flights are scheduled from Chiang Mai to a number of international destinations daily.

SATUN (950km from Bangkok) There is a ferry service between Satun and Langkawi, in Malaysia. Langkawi has a small international airport with flights to other regional hubs.

CHIANG MAI (700km 10-12 hours by land/rail) The airport is open and some flights to regional hubs are occurring. With the Prime Minister presently located in Chiang Mai, attempts by protestors to close the airport cannot be ruled out.

CAMBODIA Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have airports with international services to other regional hubs.

LAOS Vientiane International airport has services to other regional hub airports.

NOT RECOMMENDED: Myanmar by land. Visas must be obtained prior to travelling to Myanmar.

Train to Butterworth / Penang. We are aware that a number of people are catching the train to Butterworth in Malaysia. Because of the high risk from insurgents in southern Thailand (see travel advisory) we do not recommend use of this route.

Accommodation options for stranded travellers

We understand the Thai Hotel Association (THA) has instructed all its member hotels provide accommodation and full board to those stuck in Bangkok holding tickets for flights scheduled to depart from 25 November onwards, up to the value of up to 2000 baht per person per day. Below is an updated list of participating hotels:

Participating hotels in Bangkok

Amari Donmuang Airport 02 566 1020

Amari Boulevard 02 255 2930

Saint James Bangkok 2 261 0890

Amari Atrium 02 718 2000

Amari Watergate ( Pratunam) 2 653 9000

Grand Tower Inn 02 618 6688

13 Coins Airport Grand 2 374 9913

Grand Diamond 2 656 6888-98

TK Palace ( Changwattana) 2 574 1588

Siam City 02 206 5900 #1726, 1184, 1185

Prince Palace 02 628 1111

Holiday Inn Silom 02 238 4300

Bangkok Palace 02 253 0556

Tongtala Hotel 02 291 9800-1

Sofitel Centara Grand 02 541 1234 #4112

Grand Sukhumvit Sofitel 02 207 9999

China Town 02 225 0204

Regency Park 02 259 7420

Grand Mercure Fortune Bangkok 02 641 1500

Queen's Gardens Resort 02 734 4540

Ratchada City Hotel 081 816 4342/081 773 3249

Tong Phun 02 216 0020

Allseason Gold Orchid 02 616 3000

President Solitair 02 255 7200

Grand Watergate Hotel 02 255 4242

Ibis Siam 02 209 3888

Four Wings Hotel 02 260 2100

Rama Gardens Hotel 02 561 0022

Participating hotels outside Bangkok

Nova platinum Pattaya 038 711 345

Nova Suite Pattaya 038 489 948

Pattaya park 038 364 110-20

Intown Holiday Pattaya 038 420696-9

A One Royal Cruise Pattaya 08 259 555

Jom Thien palm Beach 038 231 350-67

Asia Pattaya 038 250 401-10

Murcure Pattaya 038 425 050

Amari Orchid Tower Pattaya 038 418 418

The Zign Hotel, Pattaya 038 909 800-20

Mind Resort, Pattaya 038 713 030-2

Iyara Palace, Pattaya 038 416 800

Ang Khang Nature Chiang Mai 053 450 110

Amari Coral beach Phuket 076 340 106-14

Amari Vogue resort Krabi 075 607 777

Loei Palace 042 815 668-73

Amari Rincome Chiang Mai 053 221 130

Amari Emerald Cove Ko Chang 039 552 000

Koh Chang Tropicana 039 557 122

Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui 077 422 016-18

River Kwai Resotel,

Kanchanaburi 081 734 5238

The Rock Huahin 032 537 100-2

Royal Bangsak 076 592 5555

Long Beach Cha-Am 032 472 444

Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya 038 427 120-9

Siam Bay View 038 423 871-7

Siam Bay Shore Resort and Spa 038 428 678

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya 038 428 755-9

Patong Merlin 076 340 037

Veranda Chiangmai 053 365 007

Veranda Cha-Am 032 709 000