Addressing the Kingdom from Chiang Mai in a broadcast on all TV channels, HE Mr. Somchai Wongsawat, the Prime Minister, condemned the seizure of the airport, calling it illegal, undemocratic, and a threat to the well-being of the country. He vowed to convene an urgent Cabinet meeting on November 27, 2008 to discuss measures that could bring the situation back to normal. The Royal Thai Government has announced that the welfare and safety of all foreign visitors is a top government priority.

November 27, 2008 / 10:00 hrs: Don Mueang International Airport suspended operations since 01:00 hrs. This led to the cancellation of all domestic flights. For security reasons, Suvarnabhumi International Airport has been closed as from Tuesday, November 25, 21:00 hrs. until now. All inbound and outbound flights from the airport have been cancelled.

Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Khon Kaen Airport, Krabi Airport, Phitsanulok Airport, Samui Airport, Sukhothai Airport, Surat Thani Airport, Ubon Ratchathani Airport, and Udon Thani International Airport are all operating normally. There has been no declaration of a State of Emergency.

Visa, for any tourist whose visa has expired since November 26, 2008, till the airport reopens, there will be no penalty or charge for overstay from the Immigration Bureau. However, tourists must show their original tickets, so they are not charged.

Since operations at the airport have not yet been resumed, for more information on other flights, please contact the following numbers:
Don Mueang Airport: 02-535-1669 / 02-535-1616
Public Relations: 02-535-1253
Bangkok Airways: 02-265-5678
www.bangkokairways.com
Hot Line Bangkok Airways: 1771
Nok Air: 02-627-2000
Air Asia: 02-515-9999
www.airasia.com
PB Air: 02-261-0220-5
www.pbair.com
Suvarnabhumi International Airport: 02-132-1888 / 02-132-1882
Flight Information: 02-132-000 / 02-132-9328-9
Security Centre: 02-132-4310 / 02-132-4000
02-535-1669
Chiang Mai International Airport: 053-922-100 / 053-922-444
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Emergency Centre (24 Hours): 02-643-5522
Fax: 02-643-5521
Hot Line Tourist Police: 1155

Thai aviation authorities gave airlines the green light to use U-Tapao Airport. Mr. Chaisak Angkasuwan, director general of the Civil Aviation Department said that he had authorized more than 20 airlines to utilize the airport and that already several flights had landed. He also requested that immigration and customs staff reinforce the number of staff at the airport. THAI confirmed that its Bangkok-Los Angeles flight had landed there earlier in the day.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed the ambassadors/consuls of all foreign delegations in Thailand that the government was very concerned about the safety of all foreign nationals in the country, and that safety was a very high priority. They also informed that all relevant government agencies and private sector associations were providing facilitation in the form of accommodation, meals, etc. Furthermore, that the government would try to open Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports as soon as possible.

All other locations and tourist destinations and attractions nationwide are not being affected by this situation and are safe for travel purposes.
International Public Relations Division,
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Fax: 66 253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th