No end in sight to Bangkok airport blockades

Anti-government protesters in Thailand are still refusing to budge from Bangkok’s main airport despite a Police order demanding an end to the blockade.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy has occupied two airports in the capital in a bid to topple the Prime Minister, who they say is corrupt.

Despite causing crippling economic losses, there appears little sign of compromise.

With the protests entering their seventh day, Police are now threatening offenders, many of which are middle-aged and old, with fines and jail.

Elsewhere, pro-government supporters held a rally calling on the authorities to take action against those carrying out the sieges.

Tensions have risen between pro- and anti- government groups after a grenade attack injured almost 50 people on Saturday.

The blockades have caused chaos to travellers trying to leave Thailand. While some have been diverted to smaller aiports many remain stranded.

Authorities have said they expect it to take at least a week to restart the airports’ once the protests end.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Bangkok Thailand, Thailand