Minister's fear for trapped Britons

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

An estimated 3,000 people, including several hundred Britons, have been trapped in the country after protesters took over Bangkok's international airport as part of anti-government protests.

Among them is the pregnant wife of England rugby league captain Jamie Peacock. The 30-year-old, who plays for Leeds Rhinos, said he was worried not enough was being done to help people stranded in the Thai capital.

His wife Faye, 33, who is six months pregnant, their son Lewis, four, and Faye's mother Pat, were due to fly back to England from Bangkok on Monday when Suvarnabhumi international airport was overrun by protesters.

He said: "I think the story has gone under a little bit, and more of an effort needs to be made to get all the people who are stuck there out of there, because the country is on the brink of a lot of trouble."

Mrs Peacock was returning from supporting her husband at the Rugby League World Cup when her flight back to the UK was cancelled and she was trapped at the airport before being moved to a hotel in Bangkok.

All flights in and out of the airport have been cancelled since the People's Alliance for Democracy took over the building, demanding the resignation of Thai prime minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Thailand's airport authority said Bangkok's main international airport will remain closed at least until Monday evening because protesters refuse to leave the premises.

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell said: "The situation facing the many British nationals stranded in Bangkok is frustrating and deeply concerning. Our priority is to help them get home, and I am grateful for the support provided by the Thai authorities to those affected.

"Our consular teams on the ground and in London are doing all they can to help. They are taking numerous calls and are meeting as many British nationals as possible. I call on all parties in Thailand to take steps to resolve the crisis."