Bangkok – Several thousands anti-government protesters, People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), blocked the entrance of the $US3 billion international Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok and ordered the officials to close the airport at 9.00 pm last night, reported The Nation.

The actions left up to 10,000 passengers stranded inside the facility. More than 21 out-bound flights to Japan, India, Iran, Europe and many others were canceled with over 6000 travelers being affected.

The closure was issued by AOT chief Serirat Prasutanout after many PAD protesters, most wearing yellow shirts as a symbol, ran amok through the airport including some passenger areas. The airport chief said that he was concerned about the safety of passengers and airport officials.

The protesters rally creates a blockade barring access to the airport, while the airport will remain closed until further notice. The airport officials are working hard to evacuate stranded passengers and carry on the flight operation.

“We are trying to negotiate them to allow outgoing passengers stranded by the protest to fly”, said Serirat. Incoming flights are also being already diverted to other airports in Thailand, say Don Muang, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

The PAD’s attempt to seal off the airport set forth on Tuesday when the protesters completely blocked the roads to Suvarnabhumi airport to pressure the Prime Minister, who was due to fly to Thailand from APEC conference in Peru, to quit.

Riot police refused to scuffle with the PAD surge lest severe casualties like the earlier clash which left two people dead and almost 500 injured.

Somchai, the Prime Minister of Thailand, has rejected to step down and will land in Thailand at an undisclosed location on Wednesday evening.

Photos appear courtesy of The Nation Newspaper.