Blasts bring chaos to Bangkok's airports

[kcass1954]

Source: CNN

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Flights into Thailand have been thrown into chaos Wednesday after explosions at two Bangkok airports wounded four people and triggered the closure of its main international gateway -- a major hub in the region for travelers.

The authorities have yet to confirm whether the explosions were caused by a bomb attack.

The blasts come a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the airports to protest the return of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from the APEC summit in Peru.

Anti-government group, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), accuses the Somchai government of being a front for ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

...

On Tuesday thousands of anti-government PAD protesters partially shut down Suvarnabhumi Airport, the country's main airport, an airport spokesman said.

Pro- and anti-government protesters also exchanged gunfire, a Thai police official said. Protesters with golf clubs and long wooden sticks also clashed with airport taxi drivers, with each side throwing things at the other.

The clash started when the PAD was mobilizing supporters near the Don Muang airport, which the government is using as its temporary office.

...

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/26/thailand.protests.airport/index.html

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Early-morning text from my brother, who apparently is NOT going to Bangkok today, but is stuck in Seoul.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Thai military chief calls for dissolution of parliament and new elections

The influential head of Thailand's army today urged the government to dissolve parliament and call new elections to end the political crisis, as dramatic action by protesters continued.

Anupong Paochinda also ordered the anti-government demonstrators at Bangkok's international airport to withdraw after they forced its closure, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.

At a news conference, he repeated his view that a military coup would not resolve the deepening political turmoil in Thailand.

"We are not pressuring the government," Anupong said. "The government should give the public a chance to decide in a fresh election.

"If a coup could end all the troubles, I would do it. It is not going to resolve anything," he said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/26/thailand