Arroyo orders repatriation of Filipinos stranded in Thailand

Manila: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday ordered the repatriation of nearly 200 Filipinos stranded in Thailand.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Arroyo ordered the release of $15,000 for assistance to at least 174 Filipinos unable to return home.

Ermita said the Filipinos would be taken first to Thailand's Chang Mai City and then flown back to Manila.

Protesters have gathered at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in efforts to topple the government. The sit-ins have left thousands of passengers stranded.