THE first flights arrived at Bangkok's main airport yesterday after anti-government protesters ended an eight-day siege, bringing relief to tourists even as Thailand's political crisis rumbled on.
The end of the blockade came a day after the People's Alliance for Democracy claimed victory in its six-month campaign against premier Somchai Wongsawat, when a court barred him from politics and disbanded the ruling party.
Hundreds of yellow-clad demonstrators streamed out of the Suvarnabhumi international and Don Mueang domestic airports in cars, taxis and buses after the royalist PAD handed over control to authorities.
But with the former government vowing to regroup and vote next week to choose Thailand's third premier in three months, there was little hope of long-term stability for the kingdom.
"We will come back when the nation needs us," warned Somkiat Pongpaibul, a key leader of the PAD, which groups Bangkok's urban elite and middle classes, backed by elements from the military and the palace.
A Thai Airways flight from the resort isle of Phuket became the first plane to land at Suvarnabhumi for a week, with international departures to Sydney, New Delhi, Narita, Frankfurt, Seoul and Copenhagen due later in the day.
Just over an hour later a Royal Jordanian Airlines service from Amman became the first international flight to land.
"It's really good to go back home," said Australian Brad Wheeler as he waited for the Sydney flight. It was later delayed due to problems getting passengers from a makeshift check-in in Bangkok.
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