Old News I Guess

[fred2007]

<H1 style="MARGIN: auto 0cm">Protests close Thai airports</H1>From correspondents in Bangkok

August 29, 2008 09:39pm

Article from: Agence France-Presse

THAI authorities have closed three airports, stranding travellers at popular beach resorts.

Tourist-packed Phuket and Krabi airports were closed along with the deep south's Hat Yai airport.

On the southern resort island of Phuket more than 5000 anti-government protesters invaded Phuket International Airport, storming its two runways and preventing passengers from going in or out, said Airports of Thailand spokeswoman Monrudee Ketphand.

"The director of Phuket International Airport decided to temporarily shut down the airport because protesters have trespassed on the parking spots and blocked the runways," said Ms Monrudee.

"The Phuket governor is trying to negotiate with protesters now."

Soon after, the company's president Sereerat Prasutanont confirmed two further airports had closed.

"The authority shut down both Hat Yai and Krabi airports soon after Phuket was closed because officials are unable to operate," he said.

"The duration of the closure will depend on how the situation develops," he said.

Ms Monrudee said there was speculation that similar protests were planned for the northern hubs of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

In a further blow for airlines, the union leader at flag carrier Thai Airways called today for its 15,000 members to go on strike in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Bangkok.

"We call on our members from every department to exercise their right to take two days' sick leave without a doctor's certificate ... because this morning the government attacked people," said Jaemsri Sukchotsri.

Thailand is a major tourist destination, attracting about 15 million foreign visitors a year.

The airport protests came as thousands of activists laid siege to Bangkok's Government House for the fourth straight day, calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

[dumball]

<H1 style="MARGIN: auto 0cm">Protests close Thai airports</H1>From correspondents in Bangkok

August 29, 2008 09:39pm

Article from: Agence France-Presse

THAI authorities have closed three airports, stranding travellers at popular beach resorts.

Tourist-packed Phuket and Krabi airports were closed along with the deep south's Hat Yai airport.

On the southern resort island of Phuket more than 5000 anti-government protesters invaded Phuket International Airport, storming its two runways and preventing passengers from going in or out, said Airports of Thailand spokeswoman Monrudee Ketphand.

"The director of Phuket International Airport decided to temporarily shut down the airport because protesters have trespassed on the parking spots and blocked the runways," said Ms Monrudee.

"The Phuket governor is trying to negotiate with protesters now."

Soon after, the company's president Sereerat Prasutanont confirmed two further airports had closed.

"The authority shut down both Hat Yai and Krabi airports soon after Phuket was closed because officials are unable to operate," he said.

"The duration of the closure will depend on how the situation develops," he said.

Ms Monrudee said there was speculation that similar protests were planned for the northern hubs of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

In a further blow for airlines, the union leader at flag carrier Thai Airways called today for its 15,000 members to go on strike in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Bangkok.

"We call on our members from every department to exercise their right to take two days' sick leave without a doctor's certificate ... because this morning the government attacked people," said Jaemsri Sukchotsri.

Thailand is a major tourist destination, attracting about 15 million foreign visitors a year.

The airport protests came as thousands of activists laid siege to Bangkok's Government House for the fourth straight day, calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

Not much into the PAD thing myself , but sounds like they are starting to hit where it will be felt most , tourism and trade .

[Tywais]

News clipping running here > http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Protesters-B...Ha-t209237.html