Travelers Leaving Area Via Naval Airbase

An anti-government protest group, the People's Alliance for Democracy, has occupied the terminal at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport since last Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of all flights. Service into Bangkok's second airport, Don Meuang, has also been curtailed by the PAD.

Stranding thousands of passengers, the occupation of an estimated 2,000 protesters has crippled air transportation in and out of the city during the four-day siege. Officials expect both airports to remain closed until at least 6 pm Monday.

Some relief for stranded travelers is in sight as buses began transporting them from their hotels to U-Tapao Naval Air Base south of the city, where 60 flights departed Friday, the Guardian reported.

Friday's deployment of 2,000 Thai riot police to Suvarnabhumi airport indicated the imminent removal of the protesters by force... but the government later backed off from the anticipated invasion saying it would seek to get the protesters out in a "peaceful manner."

Police reported negotiations with the PAD leaders by phone had been initiated. "We are asking them to allow the airport to resume operations," chief negotiator Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaew said. "We will keep talking, but if it fails we will take other steps. The last step will be to disperse them."

"We are ready to defend ourselves against any government's operations to get us out of those places," a PAD spokesman said, indicating the protesters were prepared to "fight to the death" if their demands that Prime Minister Somchai's government step down unconditionally are not met.

FMI: www.airportsuvarnabhumi.com