BANGKOK Nov 26 (TNA) – Small explosions rocked several sites in Bangkok, while reinforcements for the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters marched to more completely occupy Suvarnabhumi Airport overnight Tuesday, forcing the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to halt all inbound and outbound flights. The PAD's latest move was another step to put intensified pressure against the Somchai government to resign after the alliance occupied Government House in late August to protest against a government it claimed was simply a proxy of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The PAD also opposed the government's plan to amend the Constitution. PAD leaders said they would continue to force the airport to remain shut down until talks with the government take place, saying that negotiations would only be held between the PAD and Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat himself. Mr. Somchai is returning from Peru where he attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, and was scheduled to arrive in Thailand Wednesday evening. Interior Minister Pol.Gen. Kovit Wattana said the prime minister has been informed of the Suvarnabhumi incident and that he acted to avoid confrontation with PAD protesters by directing Mr. Somchai's flight to land at another airport outside Bangkok instead of Suvarnabhumi. Meanwhile, a bomb exploded at the airport terminal, injuring three people slightly. Another explosion took place near Dusit Bridge about 50 metres from Dusit Police Station on Rama V Road at about 2am, but no casualties were reported. Police initially said the Dusit explosion was that of an M26 military-issue hand grenade and that the bridge received minor damage. Some 50 metres from the bomb site, police found the bomb trigger. Witnesses saw a motorcycle pass by before the explosion, and that it returned to the scene before leaving. Police were monitoring closed circuit television footage to attempt to identify suspects. Another bomb exploded at Don Mueang Airport which the PAD had surrounded to prevent the cabinet from meeting Tuesday. At least five people were wounded, one seriously. The blast occurred some 200 metres from the PAD's mobile stage where its leaders took turns on stage to verbally attack the government. Another bomb, not activated, was found nearby. The PAD did not permit police to investigate the incident but was waiting for its own bomb squad. An initial evaluation by airport officials showed Bt50 million in income lost from fees -- including landing charges -- had occurred from Suvarnabhumi . Several Thai Airways International (THAI) flights were diverted to Don Mueang Airport, but the passenger transfers were difficult. Many passengers waiting for up to three hours to disembark from arriving aircraft because of the lack of facilities. Airport and airline authorities were meeting to find measures to resolve the problems. (TNA) Political News : Last Update : 10:52:33 26 November 2008 (GMT+7:00)
Protests and disruption by Thailand's People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) entered their third day with an invasion and forced shutdown of Bangkok's main international airport. The yellow-shirted demonstrators are reportedly in full control of Suvarnabhumi Airport, leaving between 3,000 and 4,000 travellers stranded and incoming flights diverted. The PAD have vowed to remain in the airport disrupting flights until the Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat, stands down.

Originally blocking the six-lane motorway approach to the airport, the protesters broke through police lines late on Tuesday night, invaded the terminal buildings, and forced the cancellation of all air traffic. Their aim appears to have been to prevent the Prime Minister returning to the country from the APEC summit in Peru.

Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat expressed concern that the action would have adverse economic effects on Thailand. Confidence of those investing in the country is likely to be dented, and the damage to the tourism industry could worsen the country's situation in the current global economic crisis.

The airport invasion has been accompanied by reports of further bomb blasts aimed at the anti-government PAD protesters. One explosion happened at the airport terminal itself, injuring three. A second explosion was reported at the site of the Don Mueang airport where the PAD are blockading temporary government offices. An additional two attacks, believed to be grenades, have been reported but with no casualties. The PAD have not cooperated with police in investigating these attacks, instead claiming their own bomb squad will deal with the matter.

The protesters have refused a government offer to end the stand-off. "We will stay until the government steps down. This government is not legitimate," said Sunthorn Kaewlai, a retired university lecturer. The PAD has given out leaflets to stranded passengers at the airport, apologising for the disruption, but at the same time saying that "the alliance believes the measure is crucial to bring an end to the traitorous killer government."

Details of which airport the beleaguered PM Somchai will fly into have not been revealed, however ''The Nation'' reports his flight will be diverted to U-tapao military airport, approximately 150km southeast of the capital, Bangkok.