News Talk ZB Auckland 89.4 FM(New Zealand)
02/12/2008
As tension grows in Thailand, the Government is dispatching an Air Force Hercules to the region, in case it is needed to rescue the more than 200 New Zealanders stranded in Bangkok.
The aircraft will be deployed tonight, and will be available to fly 65 passengers at a time from a military base outside Bangkok to either Singapore or Malaysia.
Mr Key says the Hercules will be dispatched in case it is needed, with stranded New Zealanders encouraged to continue trying to get out on commercial flights. He says because of the period of time it takes for the Hercules to be in place, it is prudent that it is deployed today.
The Government is also exploring the possibility of a charter flight. It comes as Bangkok's Don Muang Airport has been rocked by a grenade blast, which has killed at least one person and injured an estimated 22 people. The airport has been occupied by the People's Alliance for Democracy since Thursday.
Tens of thousands of stranded tourists are squeezing into U-Tapao Military Airport, trying to get out of the country.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has been talking to his Australian counterpart and the Government now feels there needs to be emergency contingency plans.
Both the Air Force 757 jets are out of commission for repairs in the United States.
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