Police built a massive cordon around anti-government protesters occupying Thailand's main airport Saturday, raising fears of an imminent confrontation in a standoff that has disrupted the country's economy and the travel industry worldwide.
About 2,000 policemen were deployed around Suvarnabhumi international airport, where protesters calling themselves the People's Alliance for Democracy have camped out since late Tuesday, forcing the halt of all flights.
With no sign of the standoff easing, the airport authority said Suvarnabhumi will remain closed at least until Monday evening.
The protesters also have occupied Bangkok's domestic airport and the prime minister's office compound, virtually paralyzing the government in their campaign to force its resignation.
The confrontation, severing the capital from civilian air traffic, has taken a heavy toll on Thailand's economy and reputation. According to Thai media reports some 100,000 tourists are stranded, and schedules of airlines around the world have been disrupted.
So far security forces have only issued a warning to the protesters to leave and refrained from using force. The protesters say they will not leave until the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resigns.
But it appears the government's patience is wearing thin.
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