The Security Bureau is working to get all Hong Kong residents stranded in Thailand home within two days.

This was the message Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee gave legislators today, saying more landing slots are being sought at Utapoa Airport in Pattaya. Airlines are also being asked to make more flights available.

Three charter flights with a total capacity of more than 700 seats flew to Hong Kong yesterday and this morning. Another charter flight will depart Pattaya for Hong Kong tonight.

Cathay Pacific will have a daily special flight to Pattaya from tomorrow to December 10, each offering more than 300 seats.

Contingency group

At a Legislative Council panel meeting today Mr Lee said besides issuing travel advice twice a day the bureau has been assessing the Thailand situation and formed a crisis contingency group to liaise with airlines and pursue landing slots at Utapoa Airport.

Hong Kong was able to provide two to three special flights daily from November 28 to 30. Eight flights have been arranged, bringing nearly 2,000 residents back to Hong Kong.

"To ensure Hong Kong residents' safety is always our utmost priority. In view of the possibility of an escalation of violence in Thailand in recent days, and the difficulties faced by some local travellers, particularly those on individual visits, to get a ticket, we decided yesterday to charter flights to bring them home," Mr Lee said.

The Immigration Department has informed those who have sought its help of the charter flight arrangements, and uploaded the information on its website. The Office of the Telecommunications Authority has also sent text messages to these people, while the Tourism Commission is asking its Thai counterpart to help display the information at Bangkok hotels.

Traffic tragedy

On the recent death of a Hong Kong man in a traffic accident in Thailand, Mr Lee said the Chinese Embassy is asking Thai authorities to allow the early return of the body, at the request of his wife. He added the Government will give every assistance to the victim's family.

Noting the Government will review the whole incident, Mr Lee apologised for the inconvenience caused to Hong Kong travellers in Thailand.