Bollywood babe Spammers Premier league ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE FOR THE EXPAT IN ALL OF US What’s happening, and might be happening, in Hua Hin
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Misery at an end for 100,000 stranded tourists numbers, in a special area negotiBANGKOK, THAILAND While nothing is certain at present, it seems as though the airport blockade has come to an end, and things can begin to return to normal at Suvanabhumi International Airport and throughout the travel world. While events in Mumbai overshadowed the drama being acted out in Bangkok, the stalemate looks to have been ended by the protesters themselves, after successful negotiations with the Airports Organisation of Thailand. The threat of action by the pro-government mob gathering in Bangkok may also have had some influence, but the main factor was the decision by the constitutional court to dissolve the PPP and ban the leadership from holding political office for five years. As the days wore on the affect of the protest, while still hugely damaging to both the Thai economy and the government, was starting to lessen, as alternative routes were being found for passengers and freight alike; in Hua Hin for example, Bangkok Airways started laying on extra flights to
Koh Samui to connect with extra flights from there to Hong Kong and Singapore. U-Tapao military airport became the main international airport for a few days in an effort to both clear the backlog and bring both stranded Thai tourists and businessmen home, as well as a few intrepid foreigners. Freight was also being moved through the same airport near Pattaya. The embattled government, having fled to Chiang Mai, unable to order the army or the police to take action, may well try to stuggle on but it seems more likely that a new election will be called at some point soon. Reports are varying about how quickly normality will return to the airport, with some saying that flights would have resumed by Wednesday night (3rd December) while others were saying that at least a week or more would be necessary to get the proper clearance from the worldwide aviation bodies; however it is likely that this process will be carried out as quickly as is possible. The PAD are going to remain at the airport, in greatly reduced
ated with the airport authorities, presumably until the government is dissolved. Thankfully it seems that sense has prevailed, but not before severe damage has been done to both individuals caught in recent grenade attacks, and Thailand’s reputation and economy. The final hope now is that the pro-government supporters will accept the ruling of the courts as the Prime Minister has, and allow things to take their natural course, but there will no doubt be more trouble ahead.
5 December 08
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