Thai protests close airports
Friday, 29 Aug 2008 13:51
Major anti-government demonstrations in central Bangkok have led to outbreaks of violence and the closure of airports in Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai today.
Minor outbreaks of violence between police and protestors have been reported around
Government House, where an estimated 10,000 people have gathered to demand the prime minister's resignation.
Thai Airways confirmed that flights in and out of the major tourist island of Phuket have been suspended.
The airport was closed by authorities after thousands of protestors invaded the runways.
Travellers are also currently stranded at popular beach resort of Krabi, as well as Hat Yai in the far south of Thailand.
Further disruption is possible in the north of the country as similar protests may be planned for Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the Australian newspaper reports.
And a union leader representing Thai Airways workers has called for its 15,000 members to go on strike in solidarity with the Bangkok protesters.
Today is the fourth consecutive day of protests in Bangkok and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to advise visitors to avoid the area around Government House and any large gathering of people.