A B747-400 Dispatcher reported declaring a fuel emergency because the filed alternate airport near the thunderstorm impacted airport destination was denied by an Asian ATC so the crew selected another alternate suitable for the available fuel.

Narrative

Prior to arrival at a foreign Asian airport; ATC notified the flight of thunderstorms at field. Captain contacted Dispatch that with current fuel onboard they would not be able to hold this long. At this point it was determined between Captain and Dispatch that a diversion to nearby airport for fuel would be the best course of action. This airport was the listed alternate. Several minutes later the crew called Dispatch on SATCOM to advise that ATC would not give permission to land at that airport. Crew had also told Dispatch that they asked ATC about a more distant airport. ATC denied their request and also denied a third airport near the second choice. Crew and/or ATC inquired about diversion to a fourth more distant airport. Dispatch calculation showed burn to that airport would be 36.0; there was insufficient fuel onboard for this. At this point Captain and Dispatch concurred that declaring a fuel emergency was necessary. While asking for a diversion to the destination airport; ATC denied it along with listed alternate; but did allow fuel emergency diversion to third previously requested airport which it safely did and FOB at block in was 20.1. From my best recollection; flight did hold about 1 hour before diverting.