Thailand declares state of emergency

BANGKOK – The government of Thailand today declared a state of emergency in Bangkok following the eruption of violent clashes between pro- and anti-government supporters last night with at least one reported fatality.

The announcement also comes in the wake of the closure of several Thai airports over the weekend that stranded thousands of tourists bound for and departing Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai in southern Thailand. Some 15,000 passengers were stranded in Phuket alone, where anti-government protesters marched down the runway, prompting the government to close the airport down.

Phuket International Ariport is Thailand’s second-busiest, handling nearly 120 flights daily.

Service on rail lines connecting Bangkok with the rest of Thailand was likewise disrupted during the weekend, highlighting worries that the prolonged instability is hurting the country's tourism sector.

Although the airports have since resumed normal operations, the announcement of the state of emergency in Bangkok might cause more tourism woes for the country.

“The question of whether five or more persons can meet under the emergency decree will wipe out the conference market,” Andrew Wood, GM of Chaophya Park Hotel & Resorts and president, Skal International Bangkok, said.

Hotel cancellations have also been coming in.

Overseas, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs late this morning issued a statement advising Singaporeans who do not have a pressing need to travel to Bangkok to defer their travel plans to a later date.