Bangkok protest leaders vow to spare tourists
Protestors have vowed to keep roads to Bangkok’s airports open when the city is forced into a shutdown by next Monday’s anti-government demonstrations.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said the "Bangkok shutdown" on January 13 would not target tourists, who would be allowed to travel freely to and from airports.
He said Suvarnabhumi and Don Meuang airports and transport terminals would not be sealed off.
Public transport will operate as usual, Suthep promised, although with many intersections blocked by demonstrators it may be a promise difficult to keep.
"We will allow tour buses to use a single traffic lane that will be opened for buses, emergency services and ambulances," he said.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Department has confirmed 56 flights have been cancelled to Bangkok from Singapore and Hong Kong in response to a lack of demand over the protest period and beyond.
Police are preparing specific work plans to deal with the protest, including relieving traffic congestion, providing security in vulnerable areas and setting up checkpoints.
Thousands of police will be on the streets to monitor the demonstrations.
Thai Airways, which will close some of its downtown offices during the protests, has increased its check-in time from two to four hours for Bangkok departures on January 13.
So-called "Tourist Friends Centres" will be set up in key locations across Bangkok, including airports, skyrail stations and some hotels.
In another development, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens not to travel to Thailand due to the tense political situation.
Ian Jarrett
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