Thai resort airports reopen as protesters disperse: officials

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BANGKOK (AFP) — The airports serving Thailand's beach resorts of Phuket and Krabi reopened on Sunday, two days after anti-government protesters forced all flights to be grounded, airport officials said.

Up to 15,000 passengers have been stranded at the airport on the southern resort isle of Phuket -- the gem of Thailand's tourism industry -- after protesters stormed the runway and blockaded the entrances on Friday.

"The airport resumed operations at about 11:00 am (0400 GMT)," said Vicha Neunlop, director of Phuket International Airport, Thailand's second-busiest aviation hub.

"All services at the airport are back to normal. Protesters started leaving the airport -- there are not many left now," he told AFP.

Airports in Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai were...