Suvarnabhumi Airport Cancels All Flights As Protesters Surge Into Terminal

[george]

BREAKING NEWS:

21:18 Suvarnabhumi Airport cancels all flights as protesters surge into terminal: Acting Airport Chief.

-- TNA 2008-11-25

PAD closes Suvarnabhumi

BANGKOK: -- The Suvarnabhumi Airport has been ordered closed after PAD protesters seized key entrance and other areas.

The Airports of Thailand has decided to close the Suvarnabhumi airport after PAD protesters entered passenger terminals.

Now, there will not be out-bound flights. In-bound planes are being allowed to land for now, but can be diverted to key provincial airports if situations deteriorated.

The order was issued by AOT chief Serirat Prasutanont. He made the decision after PAD protesters penetrated some passenger areas.

The People's Alliance for Democracy threatened earlier Tuesday night to close down the Suvanabhumi Airport completely after several thousand PAD protesteers blocked an entrance earlier in the day and caused turmoil for numerous passengers.

As PAD protesters moved to surround Suvarnabhumi Airport where the plane carrying Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was scheduled to land, the arrival of his plane from Peru was reportedly delayed due to technical problems.

The estimated time of arrival has not been confirmed. Some sources said he could be arriving Wednesday evening.

"We have tried to pressure the govฌernment for more than 50 hours but nothing has happened, so we need to step up our campaign by closing the airport to tell the world problems Thailand is facing," said PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul at Government House Tuesday night.

Before the closure order, the Airports of Thailand was Tuesday night mobilizing its officials to Suvarnabhumi to make sure no key operations will be disrupted. Travellers still can access the terminals through Bang Na -Trad highway, but the motory-way entrance has been crowded with protesters.

Many travellers have already suffered inconvenience. AOT has also issued a statement pleading with the PAD.

Somchai's plane failed to take off from Lima, Peru where he attended the APEC summit after the hydraulic lock of the plane's wheels failed to unlock.

The technical repair was first expected to make Somchai's flight eight hours behind the schedule, making Somchai's arrival time to be around 7 pm.

It was later reported that the repair work would be finished sooner so Somchai would arrive at 5pm.

Somchai was scheduled to arrive in Bangkok at around noon on Wednesday. He is now expected to arrive at 7pm instead.

The Public Relations Department said its reporter, Saksit Pradabsilp, reported from Peru that a hydraulic lock of the plane's wheel would not unlock, thus, preventing the plane from taking off.

While PAD Tuesday split in groups and stage a rally to block a Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, as caretaker prime minister, still manฌaged to have a meeting with Interior Minister Kowit Watana and PM's Office Minister Supon Fongngam at the Public Relations Department headquarters at 9.30 am.

Police and military representatives also attendฌed the meeting.

Chaovarat said after the meeting that the police had assured they could handle the situation. They would be patient and would not use violence.

Moreover, they would ask PAD to vacate the government's temporary office at Don Mueang Airport but would not "seize/ take back" the office, otherwise, bloodshed could erupt.

Chaovarat said he would leave it to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to talk to the PAD leaders himself.

They were looking for a new place to hold the Cabinet meeting when the PAD blocked the Supreme Command headquarters, he said.

Meanwhile, a source who joined the meeting and asked not to be named, said police had told Chaovarat they would be able to control the situation as PAD protesters mainly demonstrated at Government House and Don Mueang Airport. Being left to rally as they wanted, demonstrators are likely to be exhausted on Wednesday with half of them likely to leave the rally.

Security agencies would then wait until only a few protesters were left before taking action, the source said.

Somchai's delayed arrival could be the reason for the cancellation of the scheduled Cabinet meeting, the source said.

Culture Minister Worawat Uaapinyakul said PAD should care more about the country and stop besieging government agencies' offices as it would hurt the country. PAD's attempt was just power struggle, he said.

"The (PAD's) behaviours are like bandits'. They are unacceptable. Why don't they respect democracy or listen to people's voice? Investors are withฌdrawing nowadays as they don't know what is happening in Thailand," Worawat said.

The government has been forced not to use its power, Worawat said. However, it would continue working according to the democratic system. However, it would have to discuss where its office would be.

He said the Cabinet would be able to use many other places as its office. However, the military should protect its dignity by not allowing PAD to siege government offices.

Worawat said he would propose to Somchai to set up an office in Chiangmai as the people there would welcome the government.

A government source, who asked not to be named, said the Secretariat of the Prime Minister had not prepared any office to replace the Don Mueang Airport as it needed to discuss the issue with the premier first.

The source said it was time the prime minister exercised the law against the PAD. Otherwise, PAD would lay siege to any government offices.

-- The Nation 2008-11-25

-------

PAD shut down Suvarnabhumi

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Tuesday evening announced that it will attempt to close down Suvarnabhumi airport in an attempt to topple the government.

At 9pm, the airport was ordered to shut down its operation temporarily as the PAD demonstrators broke into the compound.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-11-25

----------------------

Anti-govt protesters block road to Suvarnabhumi airport

BANGKOK: -- The second day of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s latest protests turned violent as thousands of protesters blocked the entrance to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport in preparations for a protest of the returning home of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat after a shooting with government supporters earlier on Tuesday.

Confusion and other obstacles faced both arriving and departing passengers as the protesters blocked the entrance to the airport from the motorway, virtually paralysing traffic in the area. Such action prompted airline passengers and cabin crew to walk, lugging their suitcases to the terminal.

PAD protesters were expected to spend the night as Mr. Somchai's plane has been delayed and would not arrive until Wednesday night.

The flight, which Mr. Somchai is on, will land at another airport outside Bangkok instead of Suvarnabhumi to avoid confrontation with protesters, according to Nattawut Saikua, government spokesman.

Mr. Somchai had attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, and is flying from there for home.

Serirat Prasutanont, acting director of Suvarnabhumi airport and acting president of Airports of Thailand (AoT), said officials had urged the protesters to gather peacefully and allow passengers to enter and leave the airport without inconvenience.

He said the protesters were requested to gather at the airport's parking lot, but no response from the PAD protesters has been made so far.

In the late aftrenoon, police said PAD protesters opened fire and shot on government supporters on Bangkok's Vibhavadee Road leading to the government's temporary headquarters. The police said at least five people were wounded, and several motorcycles torched in the attack.

The violence occurred on a road leading to the government's temporary headquarters at Don Mueang airport where protesters laid siege for the second day.

-- TNA 2008-11-25

Suvarnabhumi Arrivals And Departures Online Status, check status online:

BKK Departures: http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html

BKK Arrivals: http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-arrivals.html

[jdinasia]

OUCH! if they move on Don Mueang at the same time it is the end-game for them against the current government. I just wonder what they expect the repurcussions to be from whoever gets into power next!?

[AmeriThai]

I'm seeing breaking news headlines in the U.S. (no additional info though) that the airport has canceled flights due to protesters surging into the airport.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27902801

Edited November 25, 2008 by AmeriThai

[george]

Pro-government taxi drivers clash with PAD supporters

BANGKOK: -- Some 20 guards of the People's Alliance for Democracy battled pro-government taxi drivers on Vibhavadi Road Tuesday afternoon.

Reporters saw the PAD guards running down from a sound truck when it reached in front of Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 3 to chase after the taxi drivers.

The taxi drivers used red headbands threw objects as vehicles of the PAD when they driving past to the Suvarnabhumi airport.

Seeing the guards armed with knives and sticks coming to them, the taxi drivers fled into the soi.

The guards then damaged properties at the scene and set fire to three motorcycles.

The guards also attacked a taxi motorcyclists and threatened to harm a cameraman of Thai PBS, who ran for his life.

A taxi driver alleged that the PAD guards also fired at them.

-- The Nation 2008-11-25

[Changkok]

Thats strange as i live near the airport, just went outside for a smoke and i saw a plane go over my head, just taken off i guess.

[Meg_2003]

OUCH! if they move on Don Mueang at the same time it is the end-game for them against the current government. I just wonder what they expect the repurcussions to be from whoever gets into power next!?

Isn't Don Muang already closed down?

[george]

All flights, both inbound and outbound flights are now cancelled, and Suvarnabhumi Airport is closed for security reasons.

-- CNN 2008-11-25

[CRUNCHER]

.

Yes people keep saying this however I doubt this kind of stuff puts people off coming to Thailand. It's stuff like sleeping tourists on a bus getting all their stuff stolen which stops tourism.

Edit: Anyway I don't think you'd have to worry about the "main tourists" avoiding Thailand, I.E. Dirty old men looking for a piece of ass.

Haven't seen that one on BBC, CNN or Bloomberg, but PAD are all over the international channels.

[bubba]

I had a friend leave from Don Muang on a flight at around 7:30. Got a call from him and he said there was no problem there and there were no PAD in sight at the domestic terminal.

But here is a video of the so-called "peaceful" PAD people running amok not far away:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/11/25...es_30089408.php

[george]

Protesters shut down Bangkok airport

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok's main airport has closed after it was targeted by anti-government protesters, reports said Tuesday.

The Associated Press said all departing flights were canceled from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport as protesters surged into the main terminal building.

Earlier eight people were injured in an exchange of gunfire between pro and anti-government protesters, police said. No one was killed in the incident.

The clash happened when the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy was mobilizing supporters near Don Muang Airport, which the government is using as its temporary office.

The PAD ran into a pro-government group, the two sides exchanged abusive words, and the pro-government group threw rocks into the PAD crowd, the police official said, prompting the brief exchange of gunfire.

The People's Alliance for Democracy has been leading protests against the government since May. Protesters surrounded the parliament building on Monday, forcing lawmakers to postpone their session. Watch violence in streets »

The PAD claims the government is a front for ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin left Thailand after a 2006 bloodless coup but returned after the People Power Party won elections in December 2007. He left again in August this year before he was to face trial on corruption charges.

The protesters want Thaksin to return and stand trial.

-- CNN 2008-11-25

[SteveInThailand]

Has anything been said about when the aiprot will re-open? I need to fly tomorrow!!

[filingaccount]

I'm seeing breaking news headlines in the U.S. (no additional info though) that the airport has canceled flights due to protesters surging into the airport.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27902801

The picture speaks for itself, now doesn't it?

Sad day indeed for everyone.

[PeaceBlondie]

Sorry, but all posts that contain any references to the Royal Family will be deleted in full.

[hungryhippo]

My girlfriend just got off a flight, she said there were over 200 PAD people there

EDIT: Lot's of people from both sides Yellows and Reds.

Edited November 25, 2008 by hungryhippo

[TBWG]

I currently have a friend at the airport trying to fly to UK, how often are the planes taking off? as normal or less?

Thanks

TBWG

[toptuan]

Imagine protesters bringing LAX, O'Hare, or Heathrow to its knees without government interference.

The government is cutting its own throat not to intervene and stop PAD before the country descends into anarchy. PAD is also cutting it's own throat to risk turning the majority of Thais against them due to such shenanigans.

Shutting down the country's main artery of tourism and international entrance/exit is certainly a serious step in the wrong direction.

Edited November 25, 2008 by toptuan

[Changkok]

Well they havent got the runway as there are planes still taking off, as i know the sound sat here next to the window in my house. I guess its just lucky people who got on the planes before pad stormed the building.

[FatherF]

I have just checked on the arrivals/departure pages on the web, and most flight's are showing as normal!

This is not doing anyone any good, time to address the situation me thinks!

FF

[MrSnrang]

Has anything been said about when the aiprot will re-open? I need to fly tomorrow!!

Doubt it.

It's been reported that the Honorable Wongsawat won't be in until 7 PM. Plan to stay for a couple more days.

[Changkok]

[

Hey i just heard another plane go over my house, wonder where its heading???

Hi Changkok

I currently have a friend at the airport trying to fly to UK, how often are the planes taking off? as normal or less?

Thanks

TBWG

Well i heard 2 in 10 mins, but its hard for me to say if thats regular as they have recently changed the fly paths, the planes used to pass over my house when landing instead of taking off. Anyway if all flights have been cancelled then they will stop very soon im guessing.

[george]

Suvarnabhumi closed, Sondhi delivers ultimatum

SUVARNABHUMI: -- The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Tuesday evening announced that it will shut down Suvarnabhumi airport in an attempt to topple the government.

At 9pm, the airport was ordered to halt its operation temporarily as the PAD demonstrators broke into the compound.

Later, PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul announced at the anti-government stage at Government House that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat must resign without any condition.

He then claimed that the government was guilty of the October 7 riot, which left two dead and almost 500 wounded.

Mr Sondhi said the demonstrators will intensify their acts of 'civil disobedience' by closing down Thailand's international airport.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-11-25

[Changkok]

Yeah its all gone quiet here, thats the ends of the planes i guess, and the end of my reporting lol

[londonthai]

I need to fly tomorrow!!

there is a chance that after the PM lands at 7pm wednesday

[AmeriThai]

Hopefully people will be able to get safely out of the airport if things should escalate further.

[bubba]

Now it's the lead story on CNN's web page:

http://edition.cnn.com/

Followed by a blog entitled "Thailand's Decent Into Chaos"

So much for tourist season 2008......

[george]

Anti-government protesters storm Bangkok airport

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok’s new international airport has closed after hundreds of anti-government protesters stormed the terminal building, scuffling with riot police.

Members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy members pushed their way through police lines and began roaming through the sprawling $4 billion terminal as startled tourists looked on, a Reuters journalist at the scene reported.

Airport manager Serirat Prasutanon announced the closure at 9.15pm Thai time. A few minutes later, hundreds of demonstrators broke though police lines into the passenger terminal.

In a statement, Mr Serirat said that airport authorities had tried to negotiate with the protesters “but to no avail.”

“For the safety for passengers, we have to stop flights out of the airport temporarily until the situation returns to normal,” he said, adding that incoming flights were still operating.

Earlier, he said that the governor of Samut Prakan province where the airport is located had asked the army to help police.

The terminal invasion was the climax of a dramatic day that also saw PAD protesters firing on pro-government supporters on a major road leading to the old airport to the north of the city.

Footage aired by public broadcaster TPBS showed at least two PAD security guards firing half a dozen rounds from handguns. The PAD said they were attacked first with planks and stones. At least 11 people were hurt, a city emergency services official said.

There were chaotic scenes at Suvarnabhumi, the new airport which is the gateway for the 13 million tourists who visit every year, when protesters broke through lines of hundreds of shield-toting riot police.

Earlier, thousands of PAD members waved plastic hand-clappers, flags and portraits of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while others slung razor wire across the four-lane access road.

“Our goal is to shut down Suvarnabhumi airport until Somchai quits,” PAD spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan said of the protest, aimed at Somchai Wongsawat, the Prime Minister, who returns tomorrow from an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru.

He would not land at Suvarnabhumi, a spokesman said.

The airport siege, one of the PAD’s most disruptive acts in its six-month campaign, could undermine public support for a movement that appears to be going to ever greater extremes to provoke a violent government backlash.

“It is time to make a clear-cut choice between good and evil, between those who are loyal and traitors,” PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk told supporters at a rally earlier in the day.

Somchai has rejected repeated PAD demands that he resign because of allegations he is a puppet of his brother-in-law, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted as leader in a 2006 coup.

Even though a nationwide strike failed to materialise, the airport unrest could deepen the economic impact of a crisis that has stymied government decision-making and raised fears about the export-driven economy’s ability to cope with a global slump.

The government forecast this week that the economy would grow just 4.5 per cent this year, its slowest rate in seven years.

However, Thai shares and the baht shrugged off the protests, with the main stock index up 1.5 percent as Asian bourses rose after the US bailout of Citigroup.

Opinion polls show waning public support for the PAD, an unelected coalition of royalist businessmen, academics and activists.

Some analysts say its powerful backers in the Bangkok establishment, including Queen Sirikit, are getting cold feet about the damage the political strife is inflicting on the economy.

“The people who’ve been backing PAD in the background have got frightened that it’s getting out of control. It’s a threat to public order and even the structure of the state itself,”, historian and political analyst Chris Baker said.

Despite his ties to Thaksin, Somchai’s bland, inoffensive personality has proved a hard target, and police are determined to avoid a repeat of October 7, when two protesters were killed and hundreds injured in street battles, the worst unrest in 16 years.

Bloodshed could trigger another coup only two years after the army removed Thaksin, but army chief Anupong Paochinda reiterated on Tuesday that a putsch would do nothing to resolve the fundamental political rifts.

The PAD enjoys the backing of Bangkok’s urban middle classes and elite, while Thaksin and the government largely claim their support from the rural voters and urban poor who returned them in a December election.

-- timesonline.co.uk 2008-11-25

[bubba]

PAD just published this a few minutes ago:

People’s Alliance for Democracy Announcement 26/2008

The Ultimatum for the Prime Minister to Resign Immediately and Without Condition

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewData...?DataID=1010782

[SteveInThailand]

Has anything been said about when the aiprot will re-open? I need to fly tomorrow!!

Doubt it.

It's been reported that the Honorable Wongsawat won't be in until 7 PM. Plan to stay for a couple more days.

Yeah, thanks for that. It's not too bad for me but my parents are supposed to fly to New Zealand and they will miss all of their connecting flights!

My visa expires tomorrow, any idea if i will have to pay overstay charges? Shoud i sue the PAD if i do?? hahaha

[jeffer]

I could hardly believe it watching BBC news this evening. Police were helping tourists step over coils of barbed wire strung across the road instead of getting some wire cutters and removing the wire. Unbelievable how a reputed few hundred protesters can force a major airport closure. Closing Phuket was bad enough but now  Suvarnabhumi? Insanity, pure and simple.  

[FatherF]

Can this thread be limited to the closure of the airport? I'm reading the same drivel here that has been said numerous times already on many other threads. I would like to read what is happening at the airport.

Well said Frodo.

Sky news is reporting it as closed -

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New..._Storm_Terminal

But the airport arrivals/departures are still showing it as active! -

http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/129

FF