Off to the airports

The People's Alliance for Democracy on Monday abandoned Government House and moved protesters to Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

Chamlong Srimuang, one of the PAD core leaders, told protesters encamped at Government House to move to the two international airports the PAD had taken over.



Maj-Gen Chamlong said all five PAD leaders agreed to move protesters out of Government House not because of pressure from any party, but because after occupying the compound of Government House since August 26, it was time to vacate it.



The move was also intended to accommodate royal ceremonies, including the Trooping of the Colour on Tuesday afternoon, to commemorate His Majesty the King's 81st birthday on Friday (Dec 5).



Maj-Gen Chamlong added that the PAD leaders also agreed the two airports were safer places for protesters to encamp than Government House after a series of grenade attacks by unknown assailants there killed one and injured scores of protesters.



"We've decided to use Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as our main rally sites. For Government House, we might not go back there, but we have to assess the situation again," said Maj-Gen Chamlong.



PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said it would allow a selected group of people to assess the damage at Government House on Tuesday and send the report to the Prime Minister's Office.



Nevertheless, Mr Suriyasai said the PAD would not have any money to pay compensation for the damage if it was asked to do so.



The PAD leaders would also reassess the country's political situation after the Constitution Court hands down its verdicts in the party dissolution cases against the People Power, Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya parties. It will continue to rally if the new government is still a proxy government of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, however.



Government spokesman Nattawut Saikua said the PAD had asked the secretariat to the PM's Office not to launch criminal or civil lawsuits against the PAD.



The spokesman condemned the request as a PAD bid to refuse to take responsibility for its actions.



He claimed PAD leaders had earlier boasted they would ask for donations from supporters to pay compensation for damage they incurred at Government House as well as taking legal responsibility related to the group's seizure.



Mr Nattawut said police would inspect the Government House compound after the PAD had vacated the area. A number of PAD guards were still at Government House last night, but protesters had moved to the two airports.



A PAD source said another reason behind the PAD protesters' abrupt move was a rumour that a joint military-police force would disperse protesters at the two airports and Government House late last night.

Phuket Gateway

On the occasion of King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007, the Phuket Gateway was established on 10 acres of land in Thalang District to be the first stop to welcome tourists who arrive on the Island by crossing Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge. Its outstanding feature is the alignment of 29 sculptural pillars. The number of pillars comes from the auspicious numbers 2 and 9, which respectively represent the two heroines in the war with Burma in 1785, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon and the 9th king of the Chakkri Dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Tourists can appreciate arts, culture, and Phuket’s history, which are inscribed on each pillar. The inscriptions cover the prosperous mining and agricultural periods, and today’s tourist industry. Another interesting point here is the sculptural works of art displaying a sea turtle and several of its gigantic eggs. Furthermore, the tourist information, a mini-theatre, coffee corner, souvenir shops as well as a library, and the Internet are provided.

Emergency ends at Bangkok in Thailand

The caretaker government has lifted the 12-day state of emergency in Bangkok, effective immediately.

Temporary prime minister Somchai Wongsawat make the announcement on Sunday morning, with Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the co-commanders of security forces during the brief emergency.


The press conference was held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.


Mr Somchai, who currently is the favourite to be named as permanent prime minister by parliament on Wednesday, said he would like all sides to reconcile as a present for His Majesty the King.


He called on the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to stop protesting at Government House because the government is concerned for the demonstrators. The PAD earlier rejected all calls to stop their protest and occupation of Government House.


According to the caretaker premier, the emergency decree in Bangkok has created a negative image, with the House of Representatives scheduled to vote for a new prime minister this week.


Mr Somchai refused to rule out using the emergency decree again if necessary.


On Sept 2, then-premier Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in the capital region, following violent clashes between the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), resulting in the death of a government supporter and dozens of injuries.



The decision to lift the emergency was made at a Saturday night meeting between Mr Somchai and Army chief Gen Anupong.


They agreed the state of emergency was merely damaging the country, and the political situation was under control.

Bangkok Security Notice for Tourists

For over 3 months of a mass demonstration by the People's Alliance for Democracy, Thailand has experienced some damage in its economic and tourism sectors. Although certain areas of Bangkok are affected by the street protest, downtown Bangkok such as business and entertainment areas of Silom, Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Pratunam and Petchburi are still fully accessible including all retail shops, shopping centers, restaurants, banks, embassies, office buildings. Bangkok Sky Train (BTS), Underground train (MRT) networks, Taxi and Bus services are still in operation.

For capital's major attractions, the Thonburi side of town featuring Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Rakang is not affected by the protest, so sightseeing and tours can be arranged as normal. At this moment, the Grand Palace, the Temple of Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho are all accessible, but tourists should take caution before visiting the historic district and update with local media whether or not the protestors would use Sanam Luang field in front of the Palace to hold further gatherings.

However, tourists should avoid the affected areas including some parts of Bangkok Rattanakosin Island, the Government House, the United Nation Building area (Makawan Rangsan Bridge) and Ratchadamnoen Road. Some local banks, including Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank and Siam Commercial Bank, closed all their branches around Ratchadamnoen Road for fear of violence in the area.



Thailand Airports
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport operates as normal. So far there is no report of International flight cancellations or reductions with increased level of security. Domestic Flight operations through Phuket and Krabi airports are still operating according to schedules and same for other destinations. Future closure of the Southern airports by the anti-government group may be possible, but should only take a day or two at most to re-open.

Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia and Nok Air cancelled some flights out of Hat Yai International Airport where the protesters blocked the entrances and forced the airport to close again. Visitors travelling to Hat Yai for business or holiday should postpone their travel schedule till further notice.

August blood drive

PHUKET: The blood bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital and Phuket Provincial Red Cross will hold blood-donation sessions around the island in August at the following locations and times:

August 1: Phuket Rajabhat University, Rassada, from 10 am to 3 pm

August 8: Prince of Songkhla University, Kathu, from 10 am to 3 pm

August 12: Vachira Phuket Hospital blood bank (4th floor), Phuket City, from 9 am to 3 pm

August 19: Sheraton Grande Laguna Hotel, Cherng Talay, from 10 am to 3 pm

August 28: Phuket Vocational Village, Rattakosin 200 Pi Rd, Phuket City, from 10 am to 4 pm

The blood bank also accepts donations daily at its office in Vachira Phuket Hospital on Yaowarat Rd, Phuket City, open Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 8 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (8:30 am to 3 pm).

As the above itinerary is subject to change, people intending to make a blood donation at any of the mobile collection clinics are advised to contact the blood bank two days in advance of scheduling a visit.

For more information call the blood bank at 076-361234 (ext 1285) or the Phuket Red Cross office at 076-211766.

Kenny G

Kenny G, who's playing his saxophone or whatever it is at the Jazz Royale Festival continuing through Saturday, is going to be spending some time linking with the links as well as his fellow entertainers.
Kenny (it just feels stupid calling him "G") is planning to tee off with his personal manager, and he takes the sport seriously enough that he's asked that all the hotels he's booked into are near golf courses.
Jazz Royale is a moveable feast. Having just wrapped up in Bangkok, it's in Pattaya today and tomorrow, Chiang Mai on Wednesday and Thursday and Phuket on Friday and Saturday.
They've heard of golf in all those places, and in Phuket it's some sort of religion. Kenny will be staying at the Banyan Tree Phuket, which is surrounded by straightaways, doglegs and sand traps big enough to accommodate Bedouin tribes.
Autograph hunters should wear helmets in the vicinity.
It's quite possible, by the way, that Kenny's "G" stands for "golf". He was recently named Best Musical Golfer by Golf Digest magazine, driving country singer Vince Gill into the water hazard with an impressive +0.6 handicap.
Wow. Another feather in his hair.
Next time we're going to try and get Tiger Woods to come and play the clarinet. Or whatever it is.