Thailand Faces Crisis as Thousands Trapped After Eruption

Unable to obtain hotel occupation many travelers are resorting to sleeping at the airport whilst waiting for news of possible flights to smoke free destinations in southern Europe whilst many others are putting a brave face and trying to make the most of their predicament. "Actually I’m quite chuffed’ said Tom Perkins from Basingstoke in England, "I’m due to be back at work today but they know I can’t return so I’m just taking a longer holiday, All my mates are dead jealous. Less happy was Robert De Pauw from Purmerend in the Netherlands who was missing his daughters birthday and Simon Freeston from Stoke on Trent in England who was running very short of money and dependant on the help from other travelers to buy food.

Thai Immigration authorities have declared a visa amnesty for people whose visas had expired due to travel problems. Tourist destinations have been further hit with only a trickle of new tourists arriving in what is, already, a difficult month.