Bangkok's airport cordoned off
2008-11-29 14:15
Bangkok - Police built a massive cordon around anti-government protesters occupying Thailand's main airport on Saturday, raising fears of an imminent confrontation in a standoff that has disrupted the country's economy and the travel industry worldwide.
About 2 000 policemen were deployed around Suvarnabhumi international airport, where protesters calling themselves the People's Alliance for Democracy have camped out since late on Tuesday, forcing the halt of all flights.
The protesters also have occupied Bangkok's domestic airport and the prime minister's office compound, virtually paralysing the government in their campaign to force its resignation.
The confrontation, severing the capital from civilian air traffic, has taken a heavy toll on Thailand's economy and reputation.
According to Thai media reports about 100 000 tourists are stranded, and schedules of airlines around the world have been disrupted.
So far security forces have only issued a warning to the protesters to leave and refrained from using force. The protesters say they will not leave until the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resigns.
But it appears the government's patience is wearing thin.
"The police will issue another warning to protesters to leave the two airports. The language in the warning will be stronger than the first one," said a police spokesperson, Major General Amnuay Nimmano.
He said if the protesters do not leave, a deadline will be issued "in the third warning - the last one before we take action".
The 2 000 policeman at Suvarnabhumi were deployed at all exit and entry points around the airport, said police Major General Rachandra Ruenkamon, the deputy chief of operations in the area.
One checkpoint on the main highway leading to the airport on Bangkok's outskirts was manned by about 400 policemen accompanied by about 20 navy sailors armed with M-16 rifles.
The roadblocks were meant to prevent more protesters from joining thousands of others inside the terminal building.
About 50 soldiers guarded the maintenance facility of the airport, a few kilometres away from the main complex.
Several airlines are flying rescue flights to the U-Tapao naval airport, 140km south of Bangkok, to evacuate stranded passengers. But the small airport is overwhelmed by the load, unable to process thousands of travellers quickly.
Several groups around the world have cancelled planned tours, and 88 aircraft, many of them belonging to foreign airlines, are parked at Suvarnabhumi unable to take off.
The Federation of Thai Industries estimates the cost of lost trade due to the airport shutdowns at $57m to $85m a day.
- AP