Police built a massive cordon around anti-government protesters occupying Thailand’s main airport yesterday, raising fears of an imminent confrontation in a standoff that has disrupted the country’s economy and the travel industry worldwide.
About 2,000 policemen were deployed around Suvarnabhumi international airport, where protesters calling themselves the People’s Alliance for Democracy have camped out since late on Tuesday, forcing the halt of all flights.
With no sign of the standoff easing, the airport authority said Suvarnabhumi would remain closed at least until tomorrow evening.
The protesters have also occupied Bangkok’s domestic airport and the prime minister’s office compound, virtually paralyzing the government in their campaign to force its resignation.
The confrontation, severing the capital from civilian air traffic, has taken a heavy toll on Thailand’s economy and reputation. Thai media reports said that some 100,000 tourists are stranded, and schedules of airlines around the world have been disrupted.
So far security forces have only issued a warning to the protesters to leave and refrained from using force. The protesters say they will not leave until the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resigns.
But it appears the government’s patience is wearing thin.
“The police will issue another warning to protesters to leave the two airports. The language in the warning will be stronger than the first one,” said a police spokesman, Major General Amnuay Nimmano.
He said if the protesters do not leave, a deadline will be issued “in the third warning — the last one before we take action.”
The 2,000 policeman at Suvarnabhumi were deployed at all exit and entry points around the airport, said police Major General Rachandra Ruenkamon, the deputy chief of operations in the area.
One checkpoint on the main highway leading to the airport on Bangkok’s outskirts was manned by about 400 policemen accompanied by about 20 navy sailors armed with M-16 rifles.
The roadblocks were meant to prevent more protesters from joining thousands of others inside the terminal building.
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