Zimbabwean family stranded for months at Bangkok airport

Family says "unsettled situation" in Zimbabwe makes it unsafe to return

A Zimbabwean family has been living in Bangkok Airport for nearly three months (Getty Images)

Airport layovers take their toll on even the most patient traveller, but for one Zimbabwean family the wait has dragged on for months.

The family of four adults and four children under 11 arrived in Bangkok in May, but have since refused to return to Zimbabwe, citing fears that they will be persecuted. Now, because of visa issues, they have nowhere else to go.

After initially arriving in Thailand, the family tried to travel to Spain via Kiev, but were refused entry for not having visas. They were flown back to Bangkok; only to be fined for outstaying their Thai tourist visas.

They have now spent almost three months in the airport.

Ukraine International Airlines said the family made arrangements to travel to Kiev from DubaI (and onto a third country), only to cancel them. They were later flown back to Bangkok via the UAE city. As reported by the BBC, the family has been living in Bangkok airport ever since.

A now deleted Facebook post by airport employee Kanaruj Artt Pornsopit said that he had spoken to the family, who told him they were there “because of the unsettled situation in their country."

In another post, the Thai Dior employee posted a picture of himself giving one of the family's children a present, writing: “Merry Christmas to Mashia ,Milan, Eden and Tanaka. To hope all of you back to your sweet home as soon. Nice to meet all of you guys.”

Robert Mugabe's autocratic, 37-year rule came to an end in November after he was ousted from power by the country's military.

Despite fears of unrest following the coup, the political situation in Zimbabwe has been relatively peaceful (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)

Speaking to The Independent, a spokesperson from the Foreign Office recommended potential visitors to Zimbabwe read the FCO's latest travel advice, which says:

“The situation in Zimbabwe is calm. However, ongoing political developments may result in further demonstrations or celebratory gatherings, especially in urban areas. You should continue to exercise caution, avoid demonstrations or activities which could be considered political. The authorities have sometimes used force to suppress demonstrations.

“Taking photographs of members of police and armed forces personnel and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted.

“You should avoid political activity, or activities which could be considered political, including political discussions in public places.”