Tourists tell of 'chaos and confusion' at Thai airport

Tourists today spoke of “chaos and confusion” after they were caught in anti-government protests that have forced the closure of Bangkok airport.

The travellers told of being stranded at the airport as all flights were cancelled, a lack of information and amenities, and of being taken on to coaches with no idea of their final destination.

An estimated 3,000 people are stranded at Bangkok airport after it was occupied by the People’s Alliance for Democracy, which wants to topple Thai premier Somchai Wongsawat.

Having had their flights home cancelled, many were being taken by coach to the resort of Pattaya.

Speaking on one of the coaches, stand-up comic Harry Bedford, 40, from Greenwich, south London, told of the hours of waiting at the airport.

He said: “I was supposed to fly back with Thai Airways but the flight was scrapped. We could hear protests going on and could glimpse yellow-shirted demonstrators.

“But it was very difficult to know exactly what was happening. First they shut down all the TVs, then there was no access to computers. There were no announcements and it was all very confusing and chaotic.”

Mr Bedford continued: “Everything at the airport shut down, but we heard that there was food and drink in one of the first-class lounges, so everyone went there.

“We asked if they could bring pillows and blankets off the planes for us, but they refused, saying it was against the rules, which was ridiculous.

“Then we had to leave the airport and there were long waits. We were told there were explosions, but, bizarrely, when we got outside it was more like a festival with demonstrators in good spirits.

“Then we were told there were road blocks, but the one I saw amounted to just three guys standing around. The authorities seemed to have over-reacted.”