Thai Protestors Force Cancellation of Departing Flights

Thailand’s troubled tourism picture just got gloomier. Protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Tuesday forced the cancellation of departing flights. Thai Airways alone has canceled 18 flights. It is reported that incoming flights were landing as normal.

At Don Muang Airport, Thailand’s domestic airport, thousands of alliance protesters surrounded government offices. Only hours before, in Bangkok, shots from protesters were fired at government supporters in a clash in the capital. This is the first time protesters openly used guns.

The People's Alliance for Democracy is attempting to topple Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and force a move away from a Western-style electoral system. Previously, the alliance commandeered the prime minister's office in late August and twice blockaded Parliament, which resulted in hundreds of injuries and two deaths. Thailand’s tourism arrivals have already dipped due to the international economic slowdown, and accounts of violent protests are further exacerbating the bleak forecast for the remainder of 2008.

Source: TravelAgentCentral