240,000 foreigners currently stranded in Thailand

Currently more than 240,000 foreigners are stranded in Thailand. Some countries have sent state-sponsored flights to retrieve their citizens. Reports indicate that the Thai government is doing its best to cooperate with foreign governments to facilitate the departure of stranded foreign citizens. Passengers are using the Rayong U-Tapao International Airport (VTBU/UTP) -- which is located approximately 90 mi/140 km south of Bangkok -- however, the terminal can accommodate only 400 people. This has caused stampedes and chaos, and some passengers have had to receive medical attention. The Thai government has agreed, for the interim, that passengers stranded in Thailand needing medical assistance, will be allowed to receive free treatment at both private and state hospitals. Airports of Thailand (AoT) personnel have begun setting up early check-in counters at the Bangkok International Exhibition and Trade Center (Bitec) and the Centara Grand Hotel. These facilities are requiring passengers to check-in seven hours ahead of departure in order to transit from Bangkok to U-Tapao. Passengers are only allowed to check-in at these facilities with approval from the airlines