John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I can inform the Senate that the Australian ambassador and Australian diplomats have met and spoken with over 400 Australians at 15 hotels around Bangkok. The ambassador has personally put pressure on Thai Airways and the Thai tourism authority to get some Thai airlines flights out, and embassy officials continue to provide accommodation assistance for Australians. Suvarnabhumi international airport and Don Muang domestic airport in Bangkok remain closed because of the ongoing demonstrations and political unrest. It is uncertain when these airports will reopen. I can also say that embassy officials are stationed on 24-hour duty at Thailand’s three operating airports, including at U-Tapao military airbase. (Time expired)