Thai airport blockade ends

(03 December 2008)

Anti-government protesters have left Bangkok's main airport after a demonstration lasting for eight days paralysed both the government and tourism industry.

The People's Alliance for Democracy called off the protests after Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was forced to step down and banned from politics for five years.

As the protesters left, the first flight in over a week landed in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. International flights are expected to resume on Thursday.

The 250,000 stranded passengers will now be able to get home.