Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport Shut Down by Anti-Government Protesters
UPDATE (December 8, 2008 - 17:00 GMT+7):
Suvarnabhumi Airport resumed full operations on 5 December 2008
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UPDATE (December 8, 2008 - 18:00 GMT+7):
Statement submitted by Foreign Envoys on Closure of Donmuang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports
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UPDATE (November 28, 2008 - 17:00 GMT+7):
Tourism Situation in Thailand (Download as PDF)
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BANGKOK, Thailand (Todaytravelasia.com) November 27, 2008 --This morning at 8.00 am (+7 hours GMT) the Managing Director of Today Travel Asia, Mark Shee was interviewed by Rhod Sharp of the BBC in a lively discussion about the impact of the shutting of Thai Suvarnabhumi Airport by PAD Anti Government Protestors. The discussion focused on the action taken by Today Travel Asia to assist stranded passenger at the airport and the impact upon Thai Tourism. The staff at Today Travel Asia are doing all they can to assist their customers.
Passengers are being relocated to hotels in the area to await the Airport opening or are being sent onto other airports in the country. From here they are catching connecting flights either direct home or onto an International Airport and then catching onward flights to return home. We have encountered issues with visas, travel insurance and accommodation issues which we are working on with our customers to resolve. This is an ongoing situation, and given the PAD have refused to leave the airport, there is no immediate solution.
'I'm proud of our staff – but I feel for the passengers. The shutting of the airport by the PAD is uncalled for. This will make Thailand an International laughing stock and will dent one of their most important industries, Tourism at a time where when the world is sliding deeper and deeper into recession.' Lamented Mark Shee.
'….on a positive note the PAD have on the main been friendly towards the tourists and given the massive inconvenience they have suffered, the tourists have not vented their anger onto the PAD. It is tense but amicable.'
Listen to the BBC Radio 5 Live Stream.
Today Travel Asia is a specialist Thailand Tour Operator & Bangkok Travel Agency. We offer Tour Packages, Hotel & Resort Packages, Activities, Cruises in Thailand for individuals and groups. Professional local and western expertise. www.todaytravelasia.com
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UPDATE (November 27, 2008 - 09:15 GMT+7): BBC interview Today Travel Asia about Suvarnabhumi Travel issues.
UPDATE (November 27, 2008 - 09:00 GMT+7): Don Mueang Airport closed since Wednesday night, Suvarnabhumi International Airport remains closed.
UPDATE (November 26, 2008 - 16:00 GMT+7): The Anti-Government Protesters have for the most part been friendly towards foreigners at Suvarnabhumi caught up in their dispute with the Thai Government
UPDATE (November 26, 2008 - 14:30 GMT+7): Tourists from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport are being evacuated to hotels nearby.
UPDATE (November 26, 2008 - 14:00 GMT+7): Thai Airways is rerouting some flights to Bangkok Don Muang Airport.
BANGKOK, Thailand (Todaytravelasia.com) -- We wish to inform you that Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has been shutdown today due to political protests in Bangkok targeting the airport. The protesters have blocked access to Bangkok's airport and inbound and outbound flights have been suspended.
Our staff are working hard both at the Thailand International Airport and at our office to ensure that impact to our clients is minimized. Staff are meeting our clients at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and making certain that all have a safe passage; while office staff are rescheduling and arranging accommodation for affected passengers.
We ask for your patience during this challenging time and ask our customers to call us on +66 26625637 or email us for the latest up to date information before setting off for your journey.
Please be assured that this is an internal political issue targeting Thai nationals and not foreigners.
Government reports indicate that normal service should resume this evening (Thai GMT + 7hrs).
For more information please see our website www.todaytravelasia.com or call Suvarnabhumi Airport on Hotline number for airport inquiries: 02-1321882 and 02-1321888.
