Although anti-government demonstrators have said they won’t shut down airports this time, air travel in and out of Bangkok is hurting all the same.
At least 112 flights had been canceled as of yesterday just from Singapore and Hong Kong due to reduced demand attributed to ongoing political instability in the kingdom.
Singapore Airlines notified Thai airport authorities it will cut one of its flights through the end of February, and Cathay Pacific is dropping a round-trip circuit throughout this month. Hong Kong airlines will also reduce its number of flights.
Suvarnabhumi Airport officials are girding for the planned “shutdown” of central Bangkok by changing the routes of its Don Muang shuttle buses, increasing staff to inform visitors of areas to avoid, and opening a help center on the fourth floor of the departure hall to assist passengers with any problems, according to Woradej Harnprasert of the Civil Aviation Dept.
A call center will be open 24/7 at 1722.
Elsewhere, transportation services will be increased for the BTS skytrain, MRT subway, Chao Phraya river boat and Khlong Saen Saep canal taxi systems,
More information and suggestions for navigating the city during the “shutdown” will be available at www.mot.go.th, by calling 1356 or tuning into the Sor Wor Por 91 traffic radio station, Bangkok Post reported.
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Suvarnabhumi prepares for Bangkok Shutdown
First fad of 2014: ‘Shutdown Bangkok’ tees the new trend
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Photo: David McElvey
