State of emergency lifted for Bangkok airports

The caretaker Cabinet lifted the state of emergency for Suvarnabhumi International Airport (VTBS/BKK) and Don Muang Airport (VTBD/DMK) on 9 December 2008. The decision was due in part to the resumption of normal operations and increased security at the airports. Police officials have stated that they will continue to patrol Suvarnabhumi International Airport in an effort to prevent protesters from again seizing the facility in the future. The new security measures were implemented in addition to legal measures, which authorized the deployment of police officers at five main areas at Suvarnabhumi 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, officials stated on 9 December that a vote on a new prime minister will likely take place sometime between 15 and 19 December. The opposition Democrat Party has stated that it has enough support from other parties to form a coalition government, which could potentially ease tensions in the capital. However, the Puea Thai Party, a faction of the previous ruling coalition, also claims to have enough support to create a new coalition, adding uncertainty to the political situation.