Bangkok airports blockaded
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Thousands of tourists are stranded at Bangkok’s airports this morning as the long-running anti-government protests in Thailand closed down both Suvarnanbhumi and Don Meuang airports.
Protesters arrived at the airports last night, blockading entrances and surrounding roads. At the time this magazine went to print, both airports were still under the control of demonstrators, with flights seriously affected.
Suvarnabhumi’s Airport Director, Saereerat Prasutanont, was reported by AFP saying that operations at the city’s international hub has all be halted. “Operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport have been totally shut down since 4am (Bangkok time) – both outbound and inbound – after protesters refused to negotiate with anyone except the prime minister,” he said.
Meanwhile in a telephone interview with TDA this morning, Bangkok Airways’ Vice President, Corporate Communications, Nanthika Varavaran, said that for the moment, all flights in and out of Bangkok are cancelled.
“We (Bangkok Airways) have cancelled all 24 domestic and international services until noon today,” Ms Nanthika told TDA, adding that the airline would continue monitoring the situation as it continued, and that flights on routes to and from Samui and Phuket, not travelling via Bangkok, remained unaffected. Asked when she thought the situation may be resolved, Ms Nanthika told TDA she was “not optimistic”.
Airport officials said that tourists and relatives can call +66 (0) 2132 1888 to find out latest developments at Suvarnabhumi. Meanwhile Bangkok Airways customers can call the airline’s hotline on 1771, or +66 (0) 2265 8777.
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