Aust travellers stuck in Thailand as protests spread
Posted
Updated
PAD supporters clash with riot police in Bangkok. (Reuters)
Hundreds of Australian airline passengers travelling to and from Thailand have had their travel plans disrupted as several airports remain closed due to spreading political demonstrations.
The resort island of Phuket has closed its airport after thousands of protesters staged anti-government demonstrations. Two regional airports have also closed down.
Jetstar says around 300 passengers who were due to fly back to Sydney last night have been delayed.
A spokeswoman says they have been accommodated in hotels in Phuket until the airport there re-opens.
A jetstar flight from Sydney to Phuket was also diverted to Bangkok last night with around 260 passengers on board.
They have also been put up in hotels until the situation is resolved.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is not aware of any safety concerns for Australian travellers but it will continue to monitor the situation.
King briefed
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has briefed King Bhumibol Adulaydej on the anti-government protests spreading around the country, a government official has said.
The premier flew from Bangkok around midnight (local time) by private jet to the nearby seaside resort town of Hua Hin, where the king is in residence, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"He reported to the king on the current situation and he will return to Bangkok today," the official said.
King Bhumibol is currently staying at his Klaikangwon palace, whose name means "Far from Worries".
Although the king has little formal political power, he holds enormous sway over his subjects and has acted as a referee during past political crises.
Mr Samak was scheduled to return to Bangkok at 10.00am to meet with Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at a previously scheduled event on national reconciliation.
Despite torrential rains early Saturday, thousands of protesters continued to barricade themselves for a fifth day inside Bangkok's main government complex in the capital, demanding that Samak resign and accusing him of acting as a puppet for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Skirmishes had broken out Friday as police used shields and batons to deal with angry mobs, causing slight injuries to a handful of protesters.
The protests also spread to southern Thailand, where activists marched on a three key regional airports, including on the holiday isle of Phuket.
