Jaunted

Airport Hell / Airports / BKK / → All Tags

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport Still Shuttered

Protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat overwhelmed Suvarnabhumi Airport Tuesday night, some bombs reportedly exploded nearby and BKK remains closed today, with People's Alliance for Democracy camped out in the terminal. The New York Times described the scene:

Confidently striding across a makeshift stage, Mr. Sondhi added: “Are we going to stay here tonight? The answer is definitely, Yes!” Stranded passengers were evacuated by airport staff from the terminal throughout the day Wednesday, many of them sent to Bangkok hotels. “Canceled” flashed across the flight schedule screens and check-in counters were empty.

Protesters set up cooking equipment and prepared vats of food in the terminal building, giving parts of the building a festival-like atmosphere. But with tension running high among both demonstrators and government supporters, the possibility of further violence remained high.

Reportedly PAD supporters have even occupied the control tower. Airport officials are now calling on the army for help to restore order and get Suvarnabhumi open again.

Related Stories:
· Thai Army Chief Advises PM to Quit [NYT]
· Thai Protests Heighten Crisis [WSJ]
· Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport Shut Down by Protesters [Jaunted]