Suvarnabhumi protesters: Balloon Threat is Real

The protesters are among the airport's neighbours who have complained of loud noise from planes since last year.

The threat to disrupt flights with balloons was first made on August 31, as the protesters demanded actions from the authorities by September 7.

As no satisfactory response arrived, the angry neighbours gathered at a spot near the airport this morning. Their number rose to more than 3,000 by 10 am.

They later moved to the airport, but only about one thirds really marched into the airport's compound.

About 500 security officers and police officers were deployed to control the situation. Following the minor brush, the protesters managed to march to the Passenger Terminal.

They then gathered right in front of the terminal, waiting for relevant officials to come out for negotiations.

To ensure security at the airport, relevant officials closed down four gates at the Passenger Terminal during the protest. These gates were right where the protesters gathered.

According to protest leader Wanchat Manasombat, the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) must buy houses in the 30 - 40 NEF (noise exposure forecast) areas if their owners wanted to sell at the price jointly agreed by the Treasury Department, local people and AoT.

For other affected areas, the government must provide solutions within four months. Areas with more serious noisepollution levels should get help within two months.

Another demand was that AoT must provide assistance to affected neighbours even though they are not living in any NEF zone as long as their houses are indeed affected by the noise.