Thousands of UK tourists trapped by Thai protests

Some 15,000 Britons were turned away from the Phuket airport after PAD-led protesters stormed the runway and terminals, London-based Guardian online reported on Sunday.

Stranded passengers had to carry their bags through cordons to a nearby road where they were forced to hail cabs to take them back to their resorts. The chaos has sparked concerns that thousands of children will now miss the start of the British school term.

However latest information showed that all airports in the south; Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi have resumed their services on Sunday.

Having spent their holiday cash, many tourists were wondering how they would get home and find accommodation in the interim. The Tourist Authority of Thailand has asked hoteliers to give stranded tourists discounted or free accommodation, but almost all those from Britain have lost connections on to London which they booked months in advance.

Last night many tried to make their connections by bus, minibus and taxi in a 13- hour road trip to Bangkok. However most of train services were suspended as their workers decided to join the protest by stopping their works.