PHUKET, Aug 30 (TNA) -- A large number of foreign travelers were left stranded at Phuket international airport early Saturday after about 50 flights scheduled to land or depart from there were canceled as anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators continued rallying in front of the airport.
Members and supporters of the PAD blocked entrances to the airport on the outskirts of Phuket Island for the second day, demanding that the entire cabinet of the coalition government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej resign.
They also demanded that all flights at the airport must be canceled.
Airport authorities initially decided to close the facility until noon, during which time they would evaluate the situation. About 50 flights were initially affected.
A PAD coordinator in Phuket said the anti-government coalition protesters would keep the airport closed Saturday to pressure Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to quit his post, and for the police to stop using violence against its demonstrators as happened in Bangkok on Friday.
Leading protesters vowed that Saturday's demonstration would be peaceful and the protesters would not intrude into the passenger terminal like Friday, when PAD activists forced their way into terminal and smashed glass panels and doors of the VIP lounge. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 13:35:37 30 August 2008 (GMT+7:00)
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