Protests in Thailand: Tourists trapped at airport as turmoil grows

Published on Wednesday 26 November 2008 08:44

BRITISH tourists in Thailand were facing terror and turmoil today after protesters forced Bangkok airport to cancel all flights.

They are among an estimated 3,000 people stranded by an anti-government protest which has led to shooting and bomb explosions close to the airport.

The Foreign Office (FO) said some Britons passed through immigration controls, but were unable to board planes and were now having to be looked after by airport officials after being stuck, visa-less, in a "no-man's land" between immigration and aircraft.

The Britons at the airport had to contend with anti-government protesters – some masked and armed with metal rods – swarming into the airport overnight, forcing authorities to cancel all 292 flights today.

Passengers had to sleep where they could – on suitcases, luggage trolleys, security conveyor belts and behind vacated check-in counters.

One stranded tourist told the BBC: "I don't know what happened to my flight. They won't talk to us. I'm angry and sad, because I have two small children – they're sick, so we want to go home."

Overnight, four bombs exploded near the airport, injuring a number of people. Later, there were reports that the airport had to be evacuated.

An FO spokesman said: "Some people were stuck in the no-man's land between the immigration and the plane but they are being looked after by airport officials."

The number of Britons stuck at the airport is not known but the FO has been contacted on seven occasions by travellers stuck at the airport.

Incoming flights have been diverted to other sites in Thailand including Chiang Mai and Phuket.

The protest is being organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy, which wants to topple prime minister Somchai Wongsawat. They have said the airport would be shut down until he left office.

The FO website describes the political situation in Thailand as "very uncertain".

It adds that access to the airport is limited and advises people to check with their airline or tour operator before they travel and warns of "the possibility of further violence".

Bangkok airport director Serirat Prasutanont said: "We have to close the airport because protesters blocked the entire airport. However, we are trying to negotiate them to allow outgoing passengers stranded by the protest to fly.

"The incident has damaged Thailand's reputation and its economy beyond repair."

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