Flights resume at Phuket International Airport as PAD disperses

PHUKET, Aug 31 (TNA) – Phuket International Airport resumed services on Sunday, and protesters later dispersed from the airport entrance, their protest site for three days.

Phuket deputy governor Worapoj Ratsima and Wing Commander Wicha Nernlop,
director of Phuket International Airport, told a press conference after a
meeting that it agreed the airport resumed operations Sunday afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Pol.Maj-Gen. Pisan Jundilok said
the police tighten security at the airport but won't disperse the crowd of
protesters.

In the meantime, airport staff opened another entrance for both
international and domestic passengers to access the airport.

Meanwhile, the protesters dispersed Sunday afternoon, saying they
succeeded to pressure the government and help PAD demonstrators in Bangkok
to continue their protest.

Methee Thanmanatrakul, chairman of the Thai Hotels Association in the
South, said that the protest caused losses and tarnished the country's
image as there are about 15,000 tourists using Phuket's airport each day.
(TNA)