Bangkok airport seige - update

On 26 November 2008 officials at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (VTBS/BKK) stated that approximately 50 People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters had stormed toward the airport's main airport control tower, but only three were able to enter. The PAD demonstrators carried metal rods and tried to force their way into the tower, demanding to know when Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat would return to Thailand; however, the controllers were unable to provide the information. The PAD has reportedly ordered its supporters to block Utapao International Airport (VTBU/UTP) in anticipation of Somchai's arrival there at 1700 local time on 26 November; however, emerging reports indicate that the aircraft carrying Somchai landed briefly at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport (VTBD/DMK) before flying immediately to Chiang Mai International Airport (VTCC/CNX), where he landed safely. ASI's local sources stated that protests by pro-government supporters are currently underway in Chiang Mai; however, there was no indication whether the protests were disrupting transportation. Chiang Mai has historically been a base of support for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom Somchai also supports. According to local sources, after negotiations between protesters and airport officials at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as of 0300 local time on 26 November, PAD members allowed immigration and customs officials to resume work in order to expedite the departure of stranded passengers. Later in the day, the situation at Suvarnabhumi was a tense calm. PAD supporters passed out food and water to passengers waiting for their flights. An announcement was made shortly after noon stating that free shuttles and hotel accommodations would be provided to stranded passengers. An update on flight status is expected later on 26 November; however, all airport operations, including incoming and outgoing flights, remain shut down with the majority of airport officials and employees unable to work. Indonesia has halted all flights to Bangkok, as have Singapore, Vietnam and Japan. There have been no reports indicating that the status of operations at Don Muang has changed from 25 November. Earlier on 26 November, at least four blasts occurred in Bangkok in relation to the ongoing anti-government protests lead by the PAD. Three bombs exploded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at approximately 0430 local time and another bomb exploded two hours later at Don Muang International Airport (VTBD/DMK), where protesters were demonstrating. At least 12 people were injured in the explosions; however, their injuries were not life threatening. Foreigners at the airport were unharmed in either the protests or bomb blasts. Army officials have offered to meet with PAD leaders to find a solution to the crisis and have stated that a coup would not solve the political crisis; however, PAD leaders replied that they will not meet with the military until the prime minister steps down from power. The Thai army chief declared that PAD protesters must withdraw from the airport, which the PAD rejected. The military stated that action will be taken if the protesters do not leave, without issuing any details. Army officials also proposed that the government dissolve the House, but there has been no comment from either side regarding this option. Somchai is expected to meet with King Bhumibol Adulyadej later on 26 November; rumours about the imposition of a state of emergency have begun to circulate in Bangkok.