300 Chinese tourists stranded in Phuket

More than 300 Chinese tourists have been stranded in Phuket since Friday because anti-government protesters have forced the suspension of services at the Thai island's airport.

Demonstrators demanding the ouster of the Samak Sundaravej government have disrupted services at other Thai airports, too.

A Chinese embassy official in Bangkok said yesterday that efforts were being made to help the Chinese nationals return home. "Some of the Chinese tourists have already left Phuket by bus, and they will fly home from Bangkok," he said.