World | Other World Stories
'I just want to go home'
Bangkok's shiny new airport resembled the aftermath of an all-night rock concert as thousands of confused people wandered aimlessly in search of food and help while others, wrapped in beach towels, slept where they could.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:02 November 27, 2008
Bangkok: Bangkok's shiny new airport resembled the aftermath of an all-night rock concert as thousands of confused people wandered aimlessly in search of food and help while others, wrapped in beach towels, slept where they could.
With the $4 billion (about Dh14.6 billion) terminal besieged by anti-government protesters, forcing the cancellation of all flights yesterday, foreign tourists had little option but to bed down on benches, behind check-in desks, and even luggage carousels.
"This is a big problem," Dutch tourist John Crushak said as he lay on a makeshift bed of clothes and suitcases in one of the world's biggest airports. "I just want to go home. I don't care what has happened. This can't go on any longer."
Dishevelled men and women wandered around the terminal soon after sunrise in search of coffee, food and some word about what was going on.
Many resorted to a breakfast of cup noodles and potato chips from a convenience store, one of the few businesses inside the futuristic terminal building that was not shuttered up or deserted by staff.
"I understand the people, but the airlines are terrible. They've given us no information," said Swede Christopher Persson, who spent the night underneath a check-in desk.
PAD determined
"I haven't had any sleep. I don't know whether to go to Bangkok or stay here. It's just terrible," he said.
Despite the anger, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters camped outside the terminal doors were unapologetic. They said their airport protest was justified as part of their six-month-long campaign to remove an elected government they believe is a puppet of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
"We will stay until the government steps down. This government is not legitimate. Thaksin is in control," said retired university lecturer Sunthorn Kaewlai, dressed in the PAD's obligatory yellow worn in honour of Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Aftermath: Dent to Thailand's image
Whether Thailand's government stands or falls, the country's latest bout of political chaos has further damaged one of its most precious economic commodities - its image as a stable place to do business.
The power struggle between supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his royalist-backed opponents will continue to polarise Thailand whatever the immediate outcome of the standoff, analysts say. The country has been tumbling in most political risk rankings since the crisis began in 2005. While Thailand's political problems are nothing new, analysts say the storming and shutting down of Bangkok's international airport by anti-government protesters represents an escalation that is particularly damaging to Thailand's image and will have long-term implications for investment and tourism.
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