Bangkok Protesters Target Government Offices at Don Muang Airport
There have been continuing anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok today following the marches organised yesterday by the People’s Alliance for Democracy. Thai police have adopted a policy of non-confrontation to prevent a recurrence of last month’s violence. The main focus for the PAD protests today have been the temporary government offices at the domestic airport at Don Muang. These temporary offices were established as a consequence of PAD’s encampment at the grounds of the permanent seat of government located in the Dusit area of Bangkok.
There are breaking reports of clashes between pro- and anti-government supporters on a highway leading to Don Muang. Thai police have played down the incident, but have confirmed gunfire was heard. Police Colonel Piyapong Pholvanich told reporters, ‘There was a slight clash and two people were injured.’
The anti-government protests have been weaker today than the PAD leadership had predicted and the call from public sector unions for a national strike has largely gone unheeded. The government appears content to play a patient waiting game which involves letting the protesters run out of steam and direction as they chase targets to protest against. The PAD leadership had been hoping that the army would side with them and mount a coup, but the Thai military continues to assert that they will remain neutral in the current situation.
At the time of writing, Don Muang airport remains open but roads in and out are heavily congested and subject to possible closure and diversions. So far, Bangkok’s main international airport at Suvarnabhumi remains unaffected although a group of protesters has headed there. This is in anticipation of PM Somchai’s return to Bangkok from the APEC meeting in Peru. There is currently no disruption to domestic or international flights out of Suvarnabhumi, but there is potential for roads to the airport to become congested if the anti-government protesters decide to switch their focus once more.
Update: Protests spread to Bangkok’s international airport >>
Related Articles:
