Preparations for tourist evacuation in Thailand

The first flight has landed again at Thailand’s international airport in Bangkok, after a week long sit-in by anti-government protestors ended yesterday.

Three hundred passengers, mainly foreigners, arrived from Phuket Island in the south of the country.

The mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of tourists, stranded by the demonstrations in bangkok, will soon be able to start.

At least half a dozen planes will leave tonight for destinations worldwide.

Thailand’s Airport Authority said it would work around the clock to get the situation back to normal.

The peak tourist season starts in weeks. But many fear the damage done to the coutry’s reputation as a paradise destination may be irreversible.

“I agree with what the PAD are doing, but I don’t think they should be at the airports,” said one tired passenger.

“It is very disappointing for the tourist industry which is going to suffer quite dramatically,” said another.

Demonstrators who said they were willing to pay with their lives for their actions of the past week have been clearing up, packing up and heading home. The prime minister they opposed is gone. But they say they will return if they do not like the look of the new prime minister, set to be chosen by parliament on Monday.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Thailand, Tourism