Thai people living in or visiting Hong Kong have been advised, by the Thai Consulate there, to stay away from the protest areas, or to exercise caution if they want to visit the areas, as demonstrations by pro-democracy protesters intensified today, with protesters disrupting the MTR system, blocking main roads and causing the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

The Thai Consulate in Hong Kong said today that the Hong Kong international airport had announced a ‘special situation’, with many airline staff walking out, forcing some airlines to cancel flights.

Hong Kong airport has advised passengers to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.

At about 9.15am, the Airport Express shuttle, between the airport and the city centre, suspended operations.

The Thai Consular Office also reported widespread disruption to public transport services, such as the protesters’ attempt to block the MTR underground train service at Fortress Hill, Tai Wai, Diamond Hill and Lai King, with the possibility that the attempt to disrupt the service will spread to other stations.

Public bus terminals at Kowloon Bay and Lai Chi Kok have been blocked and the underground tunnel linking Hong Kong and Kowloon has been barricaded.