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NZ considers contingency plan over Bangkok emergency

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-01 17:23

WELLINGTON -- The New Zealand government was considering commercial charter flights and even the possibility of using military aircraft to get stranded New Zealanders out of Thailand, Prime Minister John Key said on Monday.

Bangkok's main Suvarnabhumi International airport was occupied and shut down by anti-government protesters last Tuesday, and on Wednesday they also forced the closure of the smaller Don Muang domestic airport.

Thousands of travelers have been unable to leave the country, and Key said the latest estimate was that about 200 New Zealanders were affected.

"We're monitoring the situation and it's fair to say it's not improving. It's quite a stand-off," he told a press conference.

"It makes sense to consider contingency options that we might want to invoke if violence erupts and escalates in Bangkok."

Key said he did not want to detail those options, but he confirmed military flights were "a possibility" and that Air New Zealand charter flights were also under consideration.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said on Sunday that talks were taking place with the Australian government about ways to rescue the stranded travelers.