Bangkok: Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has confirmed that there are available seats to bring Thais back to the country following unrest on the Thai-Cambodian border. He has ordered all agencies to provide round-the-clock support to affected individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya expressed his deepest condolences for the loss of lives and properties due to the border unrest. The Ministry of Transport is committed to supporting and caring for the people, with personnel deployed at various locations to manage the situation continuously until calm is restored.
In response to the fully booked flights from Cambodia to Thailand, discussions were held with seven Thai commercial airlines, including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia X, and Nok Air. All parties agreed to increase the number of seats available to accommodate returning Thais. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that flights from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to Bangkok still have seats available after adjustments for additional seating over the coming days.
Thai citizens wishing to return can contact Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Vietjet Airways directly. They can also reach out to the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh at the emergency number: (+855) 77 888 114 for assistance.
The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited (AEROTHAI) reported ongoing preparations for air traffic services and airspace management, prioritizing security missions. Additional staff are on hand to manage the situation, prepared to provide services for both scheduled and emergency evacuation flights as per the Thai Embassy's announcement for immediate evacuation from Cambodia.