PROTESTORS took control of Phuket's Provincial Hall this evening in a demonstration designed to avoid further strife at the island's international airport.
The day began with concerns that protests at the airport could be renewed and closed with thunder and rain as a large crowd of protestors occupied the grounds of Provincial Hall, the island's government headquarters.
It was an arrangement that left the television cameras with images of roads being blocked, and protestors protesting, while the airport remained open and travellers came and went.
Phuket remained peaceful, and it looked like staying that way. A visitor to the airport this evening reported: ''I was in and out, and not a demonstrator in sight.''
The declaration of a state of emergency this morning in Bangkok and union action calling for the resignation of Prime Minster Samak Sunthoravaj took tension to a new level in Thailand.
At first, there were some concerns about what might happen on Phuket.
Airport General Manager Wicha Nurnlop told Phuketwan that he had informed Governor Niran of the need to protect the airport.
But there was no immediate danger of a repetition of the weekend's three-day blockade.
The Chief of Phuket Police, Major General Apirak Hongtong, said there were no concerns at present on Phuket and all precautions were being taken.
Leaders of the main protest group, the People's Alliance for Democracy, have been told by the Phuket tourism and business community to keep their protests low-key and not damage the island's peaceful image.
Governor Niran Kanlayanamid and Major General Apirak were among those who met this morning for 90 minutes at Provincial Hall, where a demonstration grew in size during the afternoon.
A crowd of about 600 protestors gathered on the broad expanse of lawns by 3pm to listen to speeches and applaud at the appropriate times.
The demonstration was peaceful, and the police presence was minimal. However, awnings were being erected, and mobile toilets were being brought in, indicating the crowd was likely to swell this evening.
According to The Nation online breaking news: ''Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy have seized the Phuket provincial hall, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, told the protesters at Government House at 12:20 pm.''
To Phuketwan on the spot, it looked more like a peaceful picnic in the park. And so it remained, until clouds burst over the crowd at 8.35pm, dampening the protest..
Yet another twist in Thailand's long-running political rollercoaster came today with the Election Commission ruling that the PM's PPP (People Power Party) should be disbanded for complicity in vote-buying by a party executive member in the December 23 general election.
Earlier in Bangkok, Khun Samak told a televised media conference that he has no intention of giving in to calls for his resignation.
Khun Samak said he imposed the state of emergency, which gives him extra powers, to stabilise the country. He called for the restoration of commonsense and reason.
The state of emergency in Bangkok bans gatherings of more than five people.
Khun Samak said that his opponents should not use antagonism towards him as an excuse to damage Thailand. His speech was telecast nationwide.
Clashes in Bangkok have left at least one person dead and dozens more were hurt in the fighting early on Tuesday, the BBC reported.
The fighting began after supporters of Khun Samak pushed through police lines near Government House, occupied by the PAD.
PAD supporters, who have been pressing for the PM's downfall by occupying government buildings, say the government is a front for the exiled former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Phuket expat Larry Cunningham, developer of The Chava apartment resort at Surin Beach, spoke for many resorts when he said: ''If there is another airport closure, you can forget about tourism for the next 12 months.
''When we were hit by natural disasters, tourists said they would come back again to help Phuket people. But with this man-made disaster, they will not return.''
Coincidentally, the former PM has sold his share of Britaian's Manchester City football club in a 210 million pound deal with Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), a holding company set up by Middle East investors, backed by the country's royal family
The Arab group is fronted by Sulaiman Al Fahim, a multi-billionaire nicknamed the ''Donald Trump of Abu Dhabi,'' who has pledged to invest enough to break up the hold of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the premier league.
Mr Thaksin was affectionately dubbed ''Frank'' by City supporters.
Airport Siege Day By Day:
Friday 1pm: Hundreds of PAD protestors assemble around Phuket International Airport. Passengers forced to alight from vehicles and walk to catch flights. Protest comes as a surprise because Phuket is an anti-government heartland.
Friday 4.50pm: All flights from Phuket halted after protestors break into VIP rooms then invade the runway. The protest is non-violent except for broken glass. Police are present but as in Bangkok, choose not to react.
Friday 8.30pm: Lone flight carrying 137 stranded passengers and Phuket's Governor heads for Bangkok. Governor Niran Kanlayanamid has an appointment at a ceremony with the Crown Prince.
Friday night: Airport officials agree to further talks. Protestors and police go home.
Saturday morning: Protestors reassemble. Police are at the airport but Vice Governor insists there will be no violence. Stranded passengers arrive at airport in hope of flights resumption.
Saturday afternoon: Airport General Manager Wing Commander Wicha Nurnlop says that in some ways, the airport blockade is ''worse than the 2004 tsunami.'' He ceases setting potential times for flights to resume.
Saturday 9.30pm: Talks aimed at breaking deadlock resume between PAD, splinter group of resort unions and airport authorities.
Sunday 1am: Talks break up. One protest leader says protestors will vote on course of action later in the morning. Flights could be back Monday, he says.
Sunday 11am: Protestors prepare to continue blockade. Then the announcement comes: the protest at the airport is over, and flights are to resume later in the day.
Sunday 3.50pm: A Thai Airways Boeing 777 carrying 335 passengers from Bangkok touches down, first of the airlift. Thai Airways flights are coming every hour from Bangkok.
Sunday Night: One visitor reports that the atmosphere at the airport is ''eerie'' but the mass exodus proceeds smoothly.
Monday: Flights continue smoothly. Resort managers report cancellations for this week and some for next high season as well.
Tuesday: Declaration of emergency in Bangkok renews concerns for Phuket International Airport. Governor and island leaders meet to consider what might happen next.
Essential Reading:
Phuket Resorts Report Cancellations, Uncertainty
With a state of emergency announced today in Bangkok, a survey of Phuket resorts indicates that the airport siege cost the tourism industry dearly. One thing is sure: Phuket is no longer the haven from political unrest it was last week.
Phuket Resorts Report Cancellations, Uncertainty
Phuket Flights Return: Island Counts Cost
Phuket is flying again. Perhaps not as high as it would like yet, but that will come in time. What was the cost of the airport blockade and what are the lessons for the island? Here's our analysis.
Phuket Flights Return: Island Counts Cost
Touchdown! Flights Return to Phuket Airport
The siege of Phuket ends with the first flight from Bangkok touching down at 3.50pm. International flights will resume as fast as all 11 airlines can manage. Tourists should check with airlines before setting off.
Touchdown! Flights Return to Phuket Airport
Phuket Air Crisis: Protestors to Consider Options
Talks break up early Sunday; Protestors to discuss an end to standoff; Flights may not resume before Monday; No time set yet for flights in or out of Phuket to resume; Stranded tourists running out of money.
Phuket Air Crisis: Protestors to Consider Options
Phuket Paralysed: No Sign of Flights As Deadlines Pass
Phuket Airport will not reopen; PAD wants Prime Minister to resign first; Police Chief joins crisis meeting; Tourist turn up for missing flights and ask: Why?
Phuket Paralysed: No Flights As Deadlines Pass
Phuket Siege Lifts For Lone Flights to Bangkok
With international flights bound for Phuket being diverted and the island's airport shut down, a special plea was made for PAD leaders to allow one flight to beat the blockade and carry stranded passengers to Bangkok.
Phuket Siege Lifts For Lone Flights to Bangkok
Phuket Airport Invasion: Night of Uncertainty
No flights in or out of Phuket until 6am on Saturday. Why is Phuket's tourism industry now part of a political dispute? That was the question being asked as anti-government protestors continued to occupy the island's international airport, forcing a halt to all flights.
Phuket Airport Invasion: Night of Uncertainty
Phuket Siege Latest: International Flights Diverted
Flights in and out of Phuket are not likely to resume before Saturday morning. Phuket airport was tonight in the hands of PAD anti-government protestors after 30 international flights were turned away.
Phuket Siege Latest: International Flights Diverted
Siege of Phuket Airport Blow by Blow
PAD protestors besiege Phuket International Airport; Thai Airways suspends all flights nationally; Reports of protestors on tarmac; All flights halted; Governor in crisis talks with PAD leaders; Phuket police chief calls in reinforcements.
The Siege of Phuket Airport Blow by Blow
Look for
The day began with concerns that protests at the airport could be renewed and closed with thunder and rain as a large crowd of protestors occupied the grounds of Provincial Hall, the island's government headquarters.
It was an arrangement that left the television cameras with images of roads being blocked, and protestors protesting, while the airport remained open and travellers came and went.
Phuket remained peaceful, and it looked like staying that way. A visitor to the airport this evening reported: ''I was in and out, and not a demonstrator in sight.''
The declaration of a state of emergency this morning in Bangkok and union action calling for the resignation of Prime Minster Samak Sunthoravaj took tension to a new level in Thailand.
At first, there were some concerns about what might happen on Phuket.
Airport General Manager Wicha Nurnlop told Phuketwan that he had informed Governor Niran of the need to protect the airport.
But there was no immediate danger of a repetition of the weekend's three-day blockade.
The Chief of Phuket Police, Major General Apirak Hongtong, said there were no concerns at present on Phuket and all precautions were being taken.
Leaders of the main protest group, the People's Alliance for Democracy, have been told by the Phuket tourism and business community to keep their protests low-key and not damage the island's peaceful image.
Governor Niran Kanlayanamid and Major General Apirak were among those who met this morning for 90 minutes at Provincial Hall, where a demonstration grew in size during the afternoon.
A crowd of about 600 protestors gathered on the broad expanse of lawns by 3pm to listen to speeches and applaud at the appropriate times.
The demonstration was peaceful, and the police presence was minimal. However, awnings were being erected, and mobile toilets were being brought in, indicating the crowd was likely to swell this evening.
According to The Nation online breaking news: ''Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy have seized the Phuket provincial hall, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, told the protesters at Government House at 12:20 pm.''
To Phuketwan on the spot, it looked more like a peaceful picnic in the park. And so it remained, until clouds burst over the crowd at 8.35pm, dampening the protest..
Are you bound for a holiday on Phuket? If so, please tell us via the Comment box below
Yet another twist in Thailand's long-running political rollercoaster came today with the Election Commission ruling that the PM's PPP (People Power Party) should be disbanded for complicity in vote-buying by a party executive member in the December 23 general election.
Earlier in Bangkok, Khun Samak told a televised media conference that he has no intention of giving in to calls for his resignation.
Khun Samak said he imposed the state of emergency, which gives him extra powers, to stabilise the country. He called for the restoration of commonsense and reason.
The state of emergency in Bangkok bans gatherings of more than five people.
Khun Samak said that his opponents should not use antagonism towards him as an excuse to damage Thailand. His speech was telecast nationwide.
Clashes in Bangkok have left at least one person dead and dozens more were hurt in the fighting early on Tuesday, the BBC reported.
The fighting began after supporters of Khun Samak pushed through police lines near Government House, occupied by the PAD.
PAD supporters, who have been pressing for the PM's downfall by occupying government buildings, say the government is a front for the exiled former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Phuket expat Larry Cunningham, developer of The Chava apartment resort at Surin Beach, spoke for many resorts when he said: ''If there is another airport closure, you can forget about tourism for the next 12 months.
''When we were hit by natural disasters, tourists said they would come back again to help Phuket people. But with this man-made disaster, they will not return.''
Coincidentally, the former PM has sold his share of Britaian's Manchester City football club in a 210 million pound deal with Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), a holding company set up by Middle East investors, backed by the country's royal family
The Arab group is fronted by Sulaiman Al Fahim, a multi-billionaire nicknamed the ''Donald Trump of Abu Dhabi,'' who has pledged to invest enough to break up the hold of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the premier league.
Mr Thaksin was affectionately dubbed ''Frank'' by City supporters.
Airport Siege Day By Day:
Friday 1pm: Hundreds of PAD protestors assemble around Phuket International Airport. Passengers forced to alight from vehicles and walk to catch flights. Protest comes as a surprise because Phuket is an anti-government heartland.
Friday 4.50pm: All flights from Phuket halted after protestors break into VIP rooms then invade the runway. The protest is non-violent except for broken glass. Police are present but as in Bangkok, choose not to react.
Friday 8.30pm: Lone flight carrying 137 stranded passengers and Phuket's Governor heads for Bangkok. Governor Niran Kanlayanamid has an appointment at a ceremony with the Crown Prince.
Friday night: Airport officials agree to further talks. Protestors and police go home.
Saturday morning: Protestors reassemble. Police are at the airport but Vice Governor insists there will be no violence. Stranded passengers arrive at airport in hope of flights resumption.
Saturday afternoon: Airport General Manager Wing Commander Wicha Nurnlop says that in some ways, the airport blockade is ''worse than the 2004 tsunami.'' He ceases setting potential times for flights to resume.
Saturday 9.30pm: Talks aimed at breaking deadlock resume between PAD, splinter group of resort unions and airport authorities.
Sunday 1am: Talks break up. One protest leader says protestors will vote on course of action later in the morning. Flights could be back Monday, he says.
Sunday 11am: Protestors prepare to continue blockade. Then the announcement comes: the protest at the airport is over, and flights are to resume later in the day.
Sunday 3.50pm: A Thai Airways Boeing 777 carrying 335 passengers from Bangkok touches down, first of the airlift. Thai Airways flights are coming every hour from Bangkok.
Sunday Night: One visitor reports that the atmosphere at the airport is ''eerie'' but the mass exodus proceeds smoothly.
Monday: Flights continue smoothly. Resort managers report cancellations for this week and some for next high season as well.
Tuesday: Declaration of emergency in Bangkok renews concerns for Phuket International Airport. Governor and island leaders meet to consider what might happen next.
Essential Reading:
Phuket Resorts Report Cancellations, Uncertainty
With a state of emergency announced today in Bangkok, a survey of Phuket resorts indicates that the airport siege cost the tourism industry dearly. One thing is sure: Phuket is no longer the haven from political unrest it was last week.
Phuket Resorts Report Cancellations, Uncertainty
Phuket Flights Return: Island Counts Cost
Phuket is flying again. Perhaps not as high as it would like yet, but that will come in time. What was the cost of the airport blockade and what are the lessons for the island? Here's our analysis.
Phuket Flights Return: Island Counts Cost
Touchdown! Flights Return to Phuket Airport
The siege of Phuket ends with the first flight from Bangkok touching down at 3.50pm. International flights will resume as fast as all 11 airlines can manage. Tourists should check with airlines before setting off.
Touchdown! Flights Return to Phuket Airport
Phuket Air Crisis: Protestors to Consider Options
Talks break up early Sunday; Protestors to discuss an end to standoff; Flights may not resume before Monday; No time set yet for flights in or out of Phuket to resume; Stranded tourists running out of money.
Phuket Air Crisis: Protestors to Consider Options
Phuket Paralysed: No Sign of Flights As Deadlines Pass
Phuket Airport will not reopen; PAD wants Prime Minister to resign first; Police Chief joins crisis meeting; Tourist turn up for missing flights and ask: Why?
Phuket Paralysed: No Flights As Deadlines Pass
Phuket Siege Lifts For Lone Flights to Bangkok
With international flights bound for Phuket being diverted and the island's airport shut down, a special plea was made for PAD leaders to allow one flight to beat the blockade and carry stranded passengers to Bangkok.
Phuket Siege Lifts For Lone Flights to Bangkok
Phuket Airport Invasion: Night of Uncertainty
No flights in or out of Phuket until 6am on Saturday. Why is Phuket's tourism industry now part of a political dispute? That was the question being asked as anti-government protestors continued to occupy the island's international airport, forcing a halt to all flights.
Phuket Airport Invasion: Night of Uncertainty
Phuket Siege Latest: International Flights Diverted
Flights in and out of Phuket are not likely to resume before Saturday morning. Phuket airport was tonight in the hands of PAD anti-government protestors after 30 international flights were turned away.
Phuket Siege Latest: International Flights Diverted
Siege of Phuket Airport Blow by Blow
PAD protestors besiege Phuket International Airport; Thai Airways suspends all flights nationally; Reports of protestors on tarmac; All flights halted; Governor in crisis talks with PAD leaders; Phuket police chief calls in reinforcements.
The Siege of Phuket Airport Blow by Blow
Look for
TRENDS
every day, Monday to Friday, at Phuketwan. It's essential reading. To tell us your news, email bigislandmedia@gmail.com or telephone 081 6513489. 
I am booked to come to Phuket tomorrow. . . I would really love to make it there and hope it is a peaceful time . . . it will be my first time in Thailand. <b>Editor:</b> The Thai people are generous, charming and hospitable, and committed to a peaceful resolution of their current political crisis. You should have a great time.
Posted by Emma on September 2, 2008 10:15