Paphos councillor offers help for Cypriot students stranded in Thailand
Paphos municipal councillor, Alexander Jiang offered his services to the government on Wednesday in facilitating the repatriation of nine Cypriot students remain stranded in Thailand, after widespread airspace and airport closures across parts of the Middle East disrupted their return journey following a post-exams holiday.
The students, all aged 23, travelled to Thailand after completing their university examinations but were unable to fly back to Cyprus after aviation routes were affected by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Jiang said he had already conveyed his proposal to the government and reiterated that he was willing to cover all related expenses.
Jiang has publicly offered to mediate and fully cover the costs of an alternative route home for the students, should they and their families agree.
“If the boys want, I am ready to take full responsibility for their safe transfer,” Jiang offered.
He proposed arranging free air travel for the group from Thailand to Shanghai, along with complimentary hotel accommodation and full board for the duration of their stay in China.
From there, he said, onward travel to a European destination could be organised, bypassing routes through the Middle East.
Authorities said they are assessing possible repatriation options.
According to phileleftheros, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that the situation is under review.
Jiang said his close business ties in China would allow him to manage all logistical and administrative procedures.
“My aim is simply to help them return home safely,” he added.
The students remain in Thailand as diplomatic and transport channels continue to be explored.