SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT PARTIALLY CLOSED FOR SECURITY REASONS

From D. Arul Rajoo


BANGKOK, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand's busiest
airport and main gateway has been partially closed until further notice due to
security reasons after hundreds of anti government supporters filtered into the
terminal Tuesday night.

The airport was closed for departure flights but remains open for incoming
flights.

The Airport Authority of Thailand made the announcement as the People
Alliance for Democracy (PAD) gave an ultimatum to Prime Minister Somchai
Wongsawat to resign without any conditions.

"Somchai must take responsibility for the Oct 7 incident which saw two of
our people killed and over 500 injured," Sondhi Limthongkul, a hardcore
leader for PAD told thousands of PAD supporters at the government house which
they had seized on Aug 26.

Malaysia Airlines was also forced to cancel four of its scheduled flights
between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur Wednesday.

At the airport, PAD supporters were seen roaming at the passenger terminal
and inside the duty free shopping zone.

Earlier Tuesday, hundreds of anti-government supporters tried to block
roads
leading to the Suvarnabhumi airport as they continued with their attempt to
topple the elected government of Wongsawat who is due to return from Peru
Wednesday.

Police also said several people were injured, including at least two by
gunfire, when pro-government supporters and PAD supporters clashed near the Don
Muang Airport.

-- BERNAMA