Suvarnabhumi Airport Cancels All Flights As Protesters Surge Into Terminal

[george]

AOT pressuring PAD to leave Suvarnabhumi

BANGKOK: -- The Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited will send the Civil Court’s injunction ordering the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters to leave Suvarnabhumi airport immediately to the houses of 13 PAD leaders.

AOT president Serirat Pratusanond said he hoped the anti-government group will stop damaging the country be leaving the international airport.

At the terminals of Don Mueang airport, the demonstrators put up signs written in English, saying they need to take over the airport to pressure the government to resign. They claimed that the government is corrupted and has hurt Thai people.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-11-27

[hammered]

BBC World currently reporting that the PAD are well entrenched at Suvanabuhmi with supply lines well established. Jonathan Head saying it would be extremely difficult to remove the protesters even if such an order was given. "I would be very surprised if the airport opened before the end of the week," said Head...

I don't understand how it's difficult. If there are no passengers around, no airport workers, how hard can it be for the army to come in and remove anyone who chooses to remain? Force is justified, though regretable if avoidable, but anyone who chooses to stay (plenty would leave, I'll warrant) knows what the deal is and can face the consequences. What they're doing is illegal. They can simply be removed one by one, as any criminal would be in order to be detained, and if they choose to be violent, removal by force is entirely justified. I don't get it. Get all the meat wagons down there and stick them all in the back. If they resist they're breaking the law once more and are on their own!

The problem may also be about trying to retake the airport without overly damamging it so it remains non-functuional for some time.

[sriracha john]

Airport raid may backfire on the PAD

Sondhi Limthongkul was pleading for public sympathy on Tuesday night. We regret causing a major inconvenience, he said, referring to the seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport, but we have no choice. His political movement, the People's Alliance for Democracy, has been the target for sporadic bomb attacks, and the rising death and injury tolls are adding to the tragedy of October 7, when police fired tear gas at Parliament-bound protesters, resulting in deaths and injuries.

[......]

The PAD leaders claim they are abandoning "Ahimsa" (non-violence and non-aggression) because its members have become victims and nobody is helping. That is all right as long as what happened on Tuesday is shrouded with proclaimed noble goals. When the action is explained in the simplest terms - "We want you to resign or a large number of innocent travellers won't be going home" - what is the difference between that and holding innocent passers-by at knife-point to force a police officer to lay down his gun?

Asia one news

The above is:

EDITORIAL

By The Nation

Published on November 27, 2008

[fauxie]

The problem may also be about trying to retake the airport without overly damamging it so it remains non-functuional for some time.

We've all seen the pictures though. Many protesters being jolly-looking old ladies, or naive young university type females. Are these people really going to go toe to toe with the army should they roll up in armored vehicles and jump out with M16s in hand? So maybe they leave, making the job easier. If they don't, am I to believe an elderly lady with a stick will fight a soldier who takes her by the arm and moves her into the back of a truck? No excessive force would be necessary in such an instance. Will other, more radical members attack the army? Surely that would be suicide. I just can't imagine firefights and grenades being tossed around outside Suvarnabhumi. I really don't think it will come to that. Just go in there and take people away. The law is on their side. There can't be any resisting, let alone fighting back, and the consequences would be well known. Any violent attacks on the army gives carte blanche. Would they be so stupid in front of the world media to attack the army in such a way??

[Jai Dee]

Singapore Airlines Suspends Bangkok Services

Following the cancellation of yesterdays flights, Singapore Airlines has announced that it will suspend all its flights to and from Bangkok until further notice due to the security situation and a lack of operational service staff at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The suspension includes those flights scheduled between Tokyo Narita and Bangkok, in addition to flights between Bangkok and Singapore, the airline said.

Singapore Airlines said given the situation at Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is not possible to say when flights will resume.

It said it will waive all cancellation and change fees for customers with tickets to Bangkok on Singapore Airlines flights issued prior to 26 November, for travel up to and including 7 December 2008

Source: Asia Pulse - 27 November 2008

[phiebs]

Singapore Airlines Suspends Bangkok Services

Following the cancellation of yesterdays flights, Singapore Airlines has announced that it will suspend all its flights to and from Bangkok until further notice due to the security situation and a lack of operational service staff at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The suspension includes those flights scheduled between Tokyo Narita and Bangkok, in addition to flights between Bangkok and Singapore, the airline said.

Singapore Airlines said given the situation at Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is not possible to say when flights will resume.

It said it will waive all cancellation and change fees for customers with tickets to Bangkok on Singapore Airlines flights issued prior to 26 November, for travel up to and including 7 December 2008

Source: Asia Pulse - 27 November 2008

Where do the airlines get their dates from? 7th December?

[Jai Dee]

Rock festival cancelled after seizures of airports

A rock festival concert in Bangkok is cancelled as foreign rockers and singers can not come to Thailand after anti-government protesters seized Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.

"100 Rock Festival" is scheduled to happen on November 28 and 29 in the Thai Army stadium in Bangkok. About six foreign bands will join.

However organisers decided to cancel the event as the foreign bands could not come to Thailand following the closing of the airports.

Source: The Nation - 27 November 2008

[xtof2]

When I called Thai this morning in Tokyo to get some news about my booking on today evening flight to Bangkok, they told me all Thai flights are cancelled.

The 777 for the Tokyo - Bangkok link is stuck in Suvarnabumi.

200 passengers on waiting list for tomorrow and just a few seats left on Saturday.

Looks like also many try to go back through Phuket.

[DefaultName]

I don't think that http://www.thaivisa.com/bkk-departures.html can be relied on. It shows EVAs BR67 today (Taipei via Bangkok to London) at 13:10 as "scheduled" while EVAs own website shows it as cancelled, and has since yesterday.

[jfchandler]

Here's the updates/announcements web page that Thai Air is using to post in English and Thai...

http://www.thaiairways.com/Homepage/announ...a_situation.htm

And here is the latest announcement they've posted there...

THAI Flight Los Angeles-Bangkok Landed at U-Tapao Airport

Following the announcement of the Airport Authority of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) to close both Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) and Don Mueang Airports until 18:00 hours today, THAI therefore canceled all scheduled domestic and international flights operating to and from both airports on 27th November until further notice.

THAI’s Corporate Communications Department announced that THAI’s flight TG795 operating from Los Angeles to Bangkok landed safely at U-Tapao Airport at 07:00 hours (local time). The flight carried a total of 126 passengers. THAI staff assisted all passengers through all airport formalities and arranged for transit passengers to be transferred to nearby hotels and accommodations. Thai passengers living in Thailand were transferred to THAI’s Head Office, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and expected to arrive at noon today.

THAI requests all passengers who have made reservation to travel or wish to travel with THAI to check flight movements via public media. For those who wish to make flight reservations or change travel plan please contact THAI office at Tel: 02 356 1111 or for news update at Tel: 02 545 4000 or via THAI’s website www.thaiairways.com

Added comment... 126 passengers on a Thai Air flight from Los Angeles to BKK is pretty bare... Dunno if that's a sign of the general decline in tourism lately, or that passengers somehow decided not to come at the last minute...

[mrtoad]

There's been a hillarious sound clip on the BBC world service of a very irate American passenger, shouting about how much he wants to go to Phuket, but there are no buses or trains . It's not really funny, but this bloke seems like he is going to have a breakdown, maybe he is missing his Tilac on Bangla.

I'll try and find the clip, they have been playing it repeatedly on Radio 1'S Breakfast show this morning, laughing at the guys desperation. In the end, it's still more negative publicity for Thailand.

It's still the second piece of News on the stations back in the UK, after the Mumbai story.

[bubba]

I just received this via a Nation news alert SMS:

"UDD threatens to disperse PAD protestors at Suvarnabhumi if govt does not take quick action. 60 PPP MPs call for govt to impose Emergency Decree"

I saw an interesting term used on a news site that was used to describe the current situation in Thailand:

MOBOCRACY

[Shah Jahan]

I just found this. it is a good summary of the background of the situation for those that need to catch up. not sure if in the right place, but mods can move.

http://www.youbundle.com/b/democracy-movement-in-thailand

[MKAsok]

Some good pictures of Suvarnabhumi from yesterday can be found here and here. N.B. For the benefit of non-Thai readers, this is a blog from a PAD supporter and as such the choice of pictures inevitably reflects this i.e. no pictures of any stranded tourists. Some interesting pics nonetheless.

[Insight]

There's been a hillarious sound clip on the BBC world service of a very irate American passenger, shouting about how much he wants to go to Phuket, but there are no buses or trains . It's not really funny, but this bloke seems like he is going to have a breakdown, maybe he is missing his Tilac on Bangla.

I'll try and find the clip, they have been playing it repeatedly on Radio 1'S Breakfast show this morning, laughing at the guys desperation. In the end, it's still more negative publicity for Thailand.

It's still the second piece of News on the stations back in the UK, after the Mumbai story.

Yes please

[HYENA]

I haven't heard anything in the news in the Washington DC area yet...but still channel surfing. Seems like those 101 killed and 300 injured by the coordinated terrorist attack in Mumbai is dominating the news. The only good news is 35.3 baht to the dollar and getting better by the day.

Hopefully they'll leave the airports alone soon and leave it to Thai on Thai disruption, etc. Most farangs couldn't care less what's happening only wanting peace and peaceable passage. Seems they're trying to outdue themselves on a weekly basis. I wonder what's goign to up the ante from here? Playing with the airports certainly is effective for their cause but I can't imagine the turmoil those poor people stuck midway and on either end of their travels to Thailand.

So they got Don Muang, Chang Mai and Suburvaraneniisinseiisinnnhi airport (I figured I'd garnish it with some more letters since they like adding H's into everyone's name anyway).

I'm watching the world news...now if Mumbai would get off the air, I can see what's happening according to our filtered sources (they usually never mention Thailand in US world news anyway since it seems most have no general news interest about Thailand...my as well be Taiwan for what people know about SE Asia over here.

I wonder what will happen a few months from now? no one can tell...Looking to help my Tilac escape end of March.

Edited November 27, 2008 by HYENA

[mrtoad]

There's been a hillarious sound clip on the BBC world service of a very irate American passenger, shouting about how much he wants to go to Phuket, but there are no buses or trains . It's not really funny, but this bloke seems like he is going to have a breakdown, maybe he is missing his Tilac on Bangla.

I'll try and find the clip, they have been playing it repeatedly on Radio 1'S Breakfast show this morning, laughing at the guys desperation. In the end, it's still more negative publicity for Thailand.

It's still the second piece of News on the stations back in the UK, after the Mumbai story.

Yes please

Still trying to find it

[tigerbeer]

I haven't heard anything in the news in the Washington DC area yet...but still channel surfing. Seems like those 101 killed and 300 injured by the coordinated terrorist attack in Mumbai is dominating the news. The only good news is 35.3 baht to the dollar and getting better by the day.

Hopefully they'll leave the airports alone soon and leave it to Thai on Thai disruption, etc. Most farangs couldn't care less what's happening only wanting peace and peaceable passage. Seems they're trying to outdue themselves on a weekly basis. I wonder what's goign to up the ante from here? Playing with the airports certainly is effective for their cause but I can't imagine the turmoil those poor people stuck midway and on either end of their travels to Thailand.

So they got Don Muang, Chang Mai and Suburvaraneniisinseiisinnnhi airport (I figured I'd garnish it with some more letters since they like adding H's into everyone's name anyway).

I'm watching the world news...now if Mumbai would get off the air, I can see what's happening according to our filtered sources (they usually never mention Thailand in US world news anyway since it seems most have no general news interest about Thailand...my as well be Taiwan for what people know about SE Asia over here.

I wonder what will happen a few months from now? no one can tell...Looking to help my Tilac escape end of March.

i find this post to be totally insensitive.

[yadetout]

Thailand offers navy airbase as substitute airport

BANGKOK, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Thailand is offering its naval airbase on the eastern seaboard as an alternative for airlines after its two Bangkok airports were closed by anti-government protests, a top aviation official said on Thursday.

Aviation Department chief Chaisak Angkasuwan said he was ready to let airlines use U-Tapao, a small airport already used for some short domestic routes and international charter flights, 140 km (90 mile) southeast of Bangkok.

"If any airline wishes to land or take off from U-Tapao, send us a request and we will immediately grant it," he said.

"We are doing this to help passengers who wish to go home," he added.

A blockade by anti-government protesters at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, a major Asian air hub, entered its third day on Thursday, causing the cancellation of all flights and stranding thousands of tourists in the Thai capital.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) also laid siege to the old Don Muang airport, shutting the domestic hub and effectively severing air links to the city of 8 million people.

U-Tapao, a front-line base for the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, has one runway.

National carrier Thai Airways THAI.BK, which operates 140 flights a day to and from Suvarnabhumi international airport, said on Thursday it was considering using U-Tapao. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Nopporn Wong-Anan; Editing by Alan Raybould) (Bangkok newsroom, [email protected]; +66 2 637 5610))

Edited November 27, 2008 by yadetout

[yadetout]

Thailand's image, tourism hit by political crisis

BANGKOK, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Thailand's tourist sector has taken another beating from the siege of Bangkok's airports by anti-government protesters, with losses mounting at tour operators and airlines as both locals and tourists cancel trips.

The closure of the $4 billion Suvarnabhumi international airport since late on Tuesday has forced the cancellation of hundreds of fights and stranded thousands of tourists. The domestic Don Muang airport was also closed on Thursday.

"I'm very upset. There are no bookings. There are no tourists. The whole industry has been paralysed because a group of people shut the doorway into Thailand," said Maiyarat Pirayakoset, president of the Association of Domestic Travel.

"Who's going to be in the mood to travel at a time like this? The airport needs to be reopened within 24 hours. Closing the airport is closing the country," she said.

The protesters have been waging a street campaign for six months against an administration that it sees as the puppet of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed by the military in September 2006 and now lives in exile.[iD:nBKK345814]

Some airports in the south were briefly closed by protests in August.

"Last time it was like shooting yourself in the kneecap, but this time it's in the head," Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat told Reuters.

The tourist industry could lose 76-120 billion baht ($2.2-3.4 billion) in revenue if the turmoil continued for another month, the Unversity of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said.

Thailand is banking on 600 billion baht in revenue from 15.5 million tourist arrivals this year, after 14.5 million last year. Next year it expects 16 million tourists to visit the "Land of Smiles", home to some of Asia's best beaches.

"Tourist targets? They're history now," Tourism Minister Weerasak said. "We're not talking about the loss figures as our country's image has been completely destroyed. This is real bad."

FEWER VISITORS

However, private analysts are scaling down arrival forecasts.

Asia Plus Securities said arrivals could be below 14.5 million this year and it expected the number to fall 10 percent to about 13 million in 2009.

"The political woes could damage the country's image and the global economic slowdown may put pressure on the number of tourist arrivals in Thailand next year," the broker said.

In the first 10 months of the year, the number of foreign arrivals at Suvarnabhumi airport rose 2.4 percent from a year earlier to 8.52 million.

But the number fell 15 percent in July-October as travellers were scared off by emergency rule in September and political violence in October, when two people died and over 400 were injured.

The international airport handles over 100,000 visitors a day, 70 percent of whom are tourists, Weerasak said.

Thai Airways THAI.BK said it expected losses of more than 500 million baht a day from the airport closures. Its share price traded at 7.45 baht on Thursday, near an all-time low.

The tourist sector directly employs 1.8 million people and brings in the equivalent of 6 percent of gross domestic product, making it a major engine of economic growth, already suffering from slowing exports caused by the global economic slump.

The unrest could not have come at a worse time for Thai tourism, since November is the start of the peak season. "Business is awful," said tour operator Chantana Sukchaona of Rose Travel and Service.

"Just two days before we still had full bookings. Everything was all set. People had planned their vacations and booked their time off work," she said. "Now there's nothing they can do but cancel their trips."

Thais wanting to go abroad are also having second thoughts.

"Usually this time of the year, we have lots of trips to Japan, Australia, New Zealand," Chantana said. "Everything has stopped."

Maiyarat of the Association of Domestic Travel said something had to be done quickly.

"Everything is paralysed and nobody's doing anything about it. Don't ask how much money we're losing as it's beyond a disaster." ($1=35.30 Baht) (Additional reporting by Ploy Chitsomboon and Arada Therdthammakun; Editing by Alan Raybould)

FEW VIDEOS Here http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Chaos-Bangkok-t225194.html

Edited November 27, 2008 by yadetout

[ozfarang81]

Airlines landing at Thai naval base

From correspondents in Bangkok, ThailandAgence France-PresseNovember 27, 2008 09:31pm+-PrintEmailShare

ThAI aviation authorities today gave airlines the green light to use a naval base in the east of the country after protesters blocked off both of Bangkok's airports.

Several planes had already landed at the U-Tapao airbase following the seizure by demonstrators of Don Mueang domestic airport on Thursday and the main Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday night.

"It's already begun,'' Chaisak Angkasuwan, director general of the Civil Aviation Department, said.

"Many flights have landed there and I have authorised more than 20 airlines to utilise U-Tapao airport.''

The protests have left more thousands of passengers stranded in the troubled kingdom, with around 3000 of them having to spend the night in Suvarnabhumi before they were evacuted yesterday.

Mr Chaisak said he had asked immigration and customs to reinforce their staff at U-Tapao, which is located in the eastern province of Rayong and operated by the Thai Navy.

Thai Airways International said its Bangkok-Los Angeles flight landed at U-Tapao early today.

[bartender100]

Should have flown tonight, been re booked for the 5th December by BA, nice extended trip.

[Lockstock]

No longer the Land of Smiles.

Does anyone has any words of encouragement? We have been waiting 2 years for our trip next week. Due to fly on 6/12 with EVA to BKK. Wife hasnt seen her family and kids havent seen Grandparents/Uncles/Aunts for 2 years. We've gone without time off at work so we can get a full month off over Christmas.

Does anyone think that the airport will be back online be next weekend?

I cant get through to EVA here in London. Does anyone know if EVA have taken the offer of landing at U-Tapao?

Is there a light out there that I cant yet see from inside this tunnel?

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

No longer the Land of Smiles.

Does anyone has any words of encouragement? We have been waiting 2 years for our trip next week. Due to fly on 6/12 with EVA to BKK. Wife hasnt seen her family and kids havent seen Grandparents/Uncles/Aunts for 2 years. We've gone without time off at work so we can get a full month off over Christmas.

Does anyone think that the airport will be back online be next weekend?

I cant get through to EVA here in London. Does anyone know if EVA have taken the offer of landing at U-Tapao?

Is there a light out there that I cant yet see from inside this tunnel?

It is scheduled to be opened on the 29th at 6PM. A state of emergency has been declared and the police will be clearing the "People Against Democracy" party soon. So you should be right for the 6th Dec. Have a good trip.

[FatherF]

Just on the radio, Thai Government have announced a SOE in Both Bangkok Airports.

FF

[oceano]

Just on the radio, Thai Government have announced a SOE in Both Bangkok Airports.

FF

SOE??????? what means SOE.

[londonthai]

state of emergency

[venturalaw]

The problem may also be about trying to retake the airport without overly damamging it so it remains non-functuional for some time.

We've all seen the pictures though. Many protesters being jolly-looking old ladies, or naive young university type females. Are these people really going to go toe to toe with the army should they roll up in armored vehicles and jump out with M16s in hand? So maybe they leave, making the job easier. If they don't, am I to believe an elderly lady with a stick will fight a soldier who takes her by the arm and moves her into the back of a truck? No excessive force would be necessary in such an instance. Will other, more radical members attack the army? Surely that would be suicide. I just can't imagine firefights and grenades being tossed around outside Suvarnabhumi. I really don't think it will come to that. Just go in there and take people away. The law is on their side. There can't be any resisting, let alone fighting back, and the consequences would be well known. Any violent attacks on the army gives carte blanche. Would they be so stupid in front of the world media to attack the army in such a way??

I keep reading about little old ladies protesting. Do they not understand the financial ramifications that will result from their acts? I don't understand. I respect this country and it's culture, but this is almost akin to when there was rioting in Watts. The people living there destroyed their own property, devastating businesses. They only hurt themselves.

Do they not get it?

[hudriwudri]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/tre...t/Airport17.jpg

5555555555555

PAD falang

LOL

[thaitransit]

Due to the closure of Bangkok's international airport by the stupid PAD group. Alternative transport options are available.

Bus and train options are available subject to space for passengers in a hurry to leave Thailand. Onward flights can be obtained in Malaysia though various airlines.

SRT rail: Trains depart hualamphong visit www.thailandrailway.com OR www.railway.go.th for more details or call 1690 if in thailand for rail information.

Transport company Buses are also available from new southern bus terminal "SAI TAI MAI" in thonburi side of Bangkok. Tickets can be purchased at the time of travel.

Travelling time is around 18 hours trains depart Hualamphong at 14.45 (Butterworth) and 15.10 (sungai kolok) 13.00 (sungai kolok) every day.

2nd class sleeper 1210 baht oneway. Other classes are available.

Trains from Butterworth depart 13.15 to Bangkok

Trains from Sungai Kolok depart 11.30 and 14.20

At Sungai Kolok its about 2km to malaysia border where other transport is available to Kota Bhuru airport.

At Butterworth take a boat to Penang island and a bus to Penang airport where onward flights are available. OR take a bus to KL (about 5 hours)

Tickets can be purchased at Hualamphong and bang sue stations on the day or in advance.

If the train is booked out and you still want to travel standing 3rd class tickets are available on the sungai kolok trains. Otherwise take a VIP bus.

If the train is full buses to hat yai depart every hour until 9pm from southern bus terminal taking about 18 hours to get there. take bus 511 to end of the line or a cab to SAI TAI MAI in outer thonburi. From Hatyai there are vans and buses into malaysia.

Train seat availability as of today: From Bangkok to Malaysia. To help stuck airline passengers in Bangkok.

28/11/2008 (Friday)

171 BANGKOK - SUNGAI KOLOK (RAPID) 13:00 2nd class sleeper = 56 2nd class seats = 72 3rd class seats = 589

35 BANGKOK - BUTTERWORTH (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 14:45 1st class sleeper = 1 2nd class sleeper = 85

37 BANGKOK - SUNGAI KOLOK (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 15:10 1st class sleeper = 3 2nd class sleeper = 103 2nd class seats = 34 3rd class seats = 210

41 BANGKOK - YALA (SPECIAL EXPRESS) DMU 22:50 2nd class seats = 92

29/11/2008 (Saturday)

171 BANGKOK - SUNGAI KOLOK (RAPID) 13:00 2nd class sleeper = 18 2nd class seats = 68 3rd class seats = 592

35 BANGKOK - BUTTERWORTH (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 14:45 1st class sleeper = 14 2nd class sleeper = 95

37 BANGKOK - SUNGAI KOLOK (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 15:10 1st class sleeper = 12 2nd class sleeper = 124 2nd class seats = 38 3rd class seats = 202

41 BANGKOK - YALA (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 22:50 2nd class seats = 139

30/11/2008 (Sunday)

171 BANGKOK - SUNGAI KOLOK (RAPID) 13:00 2nd class sleeper = 16 2nd class seats = 73 3rd class seats = 592

35 BANGKOK - BUTTERWORTH (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 14:45 1st class sleeper = 5 2nd class sleeper = 104

37 BANGKOK - SUNGAI KOLOK (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 15:10 1st class sleeper = 12 2nd class sleeper = 85 2nd class seats = 35 3rd class seats =199

41 BANGKOK - YALA (SPECIAL EXPRESS) 22:50 2nd class seats = 77