A couple whose honeymoon ended with them trapped in Thailand when anti-government protestors took over Bangkok airport have arrived home.

Tom Gale, son of North Thanet MP Roger Gale and his wife Suzy, returned at the weekend with his wife Basma after travelling for 30 hours.

“We are glad to be home,” said Tom, speaking at the couple’s home in Preston, near Wingham.

“There were a few difficult days while we sorted out accommodation and tried to book a route out of the country but the Thai people were lovely and treated everyone very well under the circumstances.

“Our main worry was for some of the other people, particularly a couple of elderly ladies, who were marooned in our hotel with no real idea of how or when they were going to get home. They were quite frightened and distressed.”

He added: “We felt very sorry for the ordinary people and for the damage that has been done to the economy of their country as a result of the political turmoil and the occupation of the two main Bangkok airports but Thailand is the most beautiful country and Basma and I certainly want to go back again.”

Tom and Basma now plan to raise money for a gibbon rehabilitation in one of the national parks.