In Reply to: Phuket airport closed posted by Burti on Saturday, 30. August 2008 at 10:13 Bali Time:
Saturday 15.00: At 11.40 -12.45, the Director of Phuket Airport, plus senior Police of Phuket province, gave a press conference in Thai and then English, telling our reporters that Phuket airport remains closed for at least another 6 hours, probably 'for most of today' and so far 118 flights including 25 international have been cancelled, with 15,000 passengers affected.
They wanted to hold a meeting with leader of PAD protestors at 2pm but no-one turned up, so the Director invited them to send a representaive to talk.
The Phuket Tourist Association & Thai Hotel Association (southern chapter) are trying to inform outgoing passengers in Phuket and offer to put them up a special reduced rate with light meals in accomodation until airport reopens. They are also willing to take passengers by bus to Bangkok or Surat Thani.
Samui and Surat Thani airports were still open. He said Krabi airport was still closed but only had 2 flights scheduled. Destination Air seaplanes could continue to fly and land on water, even near the airport as it was 'up to them'. Yesterday some tourists/passengers crossed the tarmac from the back south east side near the beach, although they were guided by officials and was still safe, it was not advisable. He was not happy that some tourists had to climb over barbed wire fences with luggage to get into the airport.
The police have not arrested any protestors, including those who broke the law when they entered the tarmac apron near runway. Safety is the biggest consideration. They have standby electric generators incase of any power cuts. The provincial police chief reaffirmed that they have no policy to use violence or force against protestors.