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3,000 passengers stranded at protest-hit Bangkok airport

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-26 10:09

BANGKOK -- At least 3,000 passengers remained stranded at Bangkok's international airport early Wednesday as anti-government protesters kept control of the building, the airport chief said.

People wait inside Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport after anti-government protesters blocked the main road November 25, 2008. Flights were cancelled at Thailand's main airport on Tuesday after anti-government protesters stormed the building, leaving at least 3,000 travellers stranded and threatening the country's tourism industry. [Agencies] more photos

"There are 78 outbound and incoming flights affected. I have been informed by Thai Airways that 3,000 passengers are stranded at the terminal now," airport director Saereerat Prasutanont said.

"Operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport have been totally shut down since 4am (2100 GMT Tuesday) both outbound and inbound after protesters refused to negotiate with anyone except the prime minister," said Saereerat.

He said passengers were unable to leave the terminal because guards from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the main group behind the anti-government demonstrations, had sealed off entrance roads to the airport.

Protesters forced the airport to close on Tuesday as demonstrations in the Thai capital descended into violence with 11 injured in clashes.

Thousands of demonstrators breached police lines and stormed the airport, a major hub for millions of travellers, in their effort to pressure Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's government to resign.