HONG KONG - CATHAY Pacific announced on Friday it has arranged two flights to pick up Hong Kong travellers stranded in Bangkok after anti-government protesters closed a major airport there.

The first flight from Hong Kong has landed at Utapao Airport near Pattaya, about a two-hour drive from Bangkok, and was scheduled to begin the return journey at 0700 GMT (3pm Singapore time), according to a statement released by Cathay.

The second flight will leave Hong Kong at 0000 GMT Saturday and depart U-Tapao at 0500 GMT.

Priority will be given to the airline's operating crew and staff and holders of Cathay Pacific tickets from Bangkok to Hong Kong, the statement said.

More flights will take off over the weekend if necessary, the airline said.

Thai police said Friday around 4,000 protesters were occupying Suvarnabhumi International Airport for a fourth day, while thousands took hold of government buildings and blocked road access in Bangkok in a bid to topple Somchai Wongsawat's government.

Hong Kong's travel industry council estimated that about 500 Hong Kong people travelling on commercial tours were stranded in Bangkok.

Until noon today, Hong Kong's immigration department said had received 510 inquiries and 84 requests for assistance relating to the situation in Thailand. -- AFP