Dissent Equals Delays!

Its seems that there is a thin line between the beginnings of nonviolent protest and the havoc caused of all-out hostile takeover. Two international airports have been subjected to heavy duty protesting this past Thanksgiving weekend in Thailand, that actually halted countless flights in both directions, leaving tourists deserted costing the tourism industry incredible losses.The protesters claim that they will remain there until their demands are met. Both the Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airport are under siege because the people are demanding that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resign and that there be a reformation of government. This is an eerily familiar scene for officials, being that two years ago protesters staged a coup that removed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office. Military personal are quelling rumors about another coup in order to avoid further rioting and panic. The protests apparently started about three months ago, but the tension escalated earlier this week and moved into more commercialized areas. The people went out of their way to cause disruptions and in these airports alone, have left thousands of travelers looking for alternative forms of transport. The military air base is now taking passengers who are considered a “priority”, due to families or serious conditions. They will soon offer transport going in both directions and offer shuttles to other airports around the country. This ongoing movement have taking a devastating toll on Thailand’s economy. Tourism has had over four billion in losses, stocks have plummeted, and investors are running for the hills. Although the Prime Minister sees what is going on in front of him and is being advised to open up elections again to satisfy the people’s demands, he refuses. If he didn’t listen when they tried to negotiate and now that they have resorted to violence, has his mind not opened up to reason. How much money would his country have to lose for his mind to change? How many people will have to die?