Thailand’s rail network has ground to a halt today as union workers have gone on sick leave in an apparent show of support for the anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok. Rail unions say many of its workers are on a ‘sick-out’ and will be off work for at least today and tomorrow in a protest against the government and also against a lack of welfare plans for railway workers.
Crowds of anti-government PAD supporters have gathered in front of the entrances at Phuket and Hat Yai airports and although flights continue to operate, it is inconveniencing passengers entering and exiting the airports. There are reports that Krabi airport may also be affected by demonstrations at some point during today.
Meanwhile at Government House in Bangkok, police moved in overnight to try and disperse the protesters who have set up camp there. It would seem that the police are still under instructions not to use force and although they shoved there way through the crowds of demonstrators they were forced back by PAD supporters who were apparently armed with sticks and golf clubs. There have been minor scuffles and police say they have seized baseball bats and iron rods that were being stored as weapons. Arrest warrants have been issued by the courts for 9 of the PAD leaders but it is difficult to see how they can be arrested without the use of force. If the groups leaders are arrested other prominent anti-government activists, including a well-known former army general, say they are waiting in the wings to take up the cause.
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