173 Macao residents, accompanied by 2 staff of the Outbound Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCTE), arrived Macao tonight (Nov 29) in a flight chartered by the SAR Government. The SAR Government will continue to closely monitor the development of events and provide every practical assistance to Macao residents in need of help.

The chartered flight flew to Thailand this morning (Nov 29) to bring stranded Macao residents back to Macao. The flight was scheduled to arrive Macao at 6 pm, but as extra time was needed at the manually operated U-Tapao Airport temporarily opened for civilian airliners, the charter flight left Thailand at 5:40 pm (local time) and arrived Macau at 9:18 pm.

GGCTE expressed gratitude for the assistance of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand as well as participation and support from the related departments and trade entities.

The office is also pleased to welcome the Macau residents back home safely and will continue to monitor the development of events in Thailand. The hotlines under GGCTE are available for those in need of assistance. Those who know any Macau residents who are still stranded in Thailand and need assistance can call 081-8041788 or 081-7925107 in Thailand or (66) 81-8041788 or (66) 81-7925107 from overseas from 10 am to 10 pm (Thai local time); or MGTO’s 24-hour hotline at 2833 3000.

After the SAR Government initiated the charter flight operation, GGCTE immediately contacted the stranded Macao residents to confirm the seats with them. The confirmation work was completed by 4am this morning.

GGCTE will continue to follow up on new requests and provide every practical assistance to the stranded residents. The office has received 110 inquires up to the release time of the notice.