InfoAnda - Thai capital feels pinch from airport shutdown

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Rebels shell Sudan oil state capital | | 8 October 2012
Big Japanese firms less pessimistic: govt survey | 22 June 2009
Iraq moves to curb channels seen inciting violence | | 28 January 2010

Credit rating agency Fitch warns it might downgrade China's debt | 9 September 2011

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Thai capital feels pinch from airport shutdown

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Thai capital feels pinch from airport shutdown By STEPHEN WRIGHT,Associated Press Writer AP - Wednesday, December 3 BANGKOK, Thailand - The orchids given to passengers on Thai Airways have long since wilted on the international runways shut down for a week. Now thousands of Thai families who raise orchids _ flown to flower shops around the world _ face losing their livelihoods as exporters throw away thousands of the exotic blossoms that symbolize the country's famed hospitality and beauty. As protesters blockaded Bangkok's international airport for an eighth day _ stranding 300,000 travelers and all but paralyzing air links with the outside world _ Thailand's economy began to feel the pinch. From shortages of fine wines to salmon, the airport shutdown has mostly affected the capital's upper class and foreigners. Top hotels and restaurants scrambled for fast dwindling stocks of imported delicacies, and a private hospital organized limousines to ferry foreign patients recovering from surgery to a resort island airport 12 hours south of Bangkok. But pain is beginning to seep into the broader economy, and up to 1 million workers in the vital tourism industry could lose their jobs if foreign visitor numbers plunge by half next year, as the Tourism Council predicts. The economy, which grew 4.7 percent last year, will slow or even contract, experts have warned. Already, the orchid industry says it is losing $1 million a day. "The domestic market cannot absorb the flowers. A few exporters are selling export-quality orchids locally but most have to be thrown away," said Wittaya Yukpan, managing director of Siam Flower 1985 Co., one of the largest orchid exporters. He said up to 5,000 families who grow orchids are losing money _ and the long-term effects could be potentially devastating. "Buyers will use other types of flowers in bouquets and once they get used to them they may not come back to orchids,' said Wittaya, 42, whose father helped pioneer Thailand's orchid industry. The severing of air links with Thailand's capital has rippled through the country and the region as airlines tried to reroute passengers and freight. Protesters seeking the overthrow of the government because of its ties with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra overran the international airport and a second, smaller airport a week ago. The country's Constitutional Court on Tuesday dissolved three main parties in the ruling coalition for vote buying, banning the prime minister along with top party executives from politics for five years. But even if protesters immediately left the airports, it would take "not less than seven days" for flights to resume at Suvarnabhumi, the city's main international gateway, said Airports of Thailand President Serirat Prasutanond. Longer-term, the political upheaval and airport chaos _ broadcast on televisions around the world _ has damaged Thailand's image and will likely deter tourism and business investment, which would drag on the broader economy. Hotels, restaurants and gourmet supermarkets that cater to wealthy Thais, foreign expatriates and tourists have been hard hit. Villa Market, an upscale supermarket chain, said its 14 stores were already running out of fruit, meat, cheese, cereals and canned food _ 90 percent of which it imports from overseas. "It has caused a huge financial loss," said spokeswoman Siripana Kiattisaknikon. Classic Fine Foods, an importer which supplies more than 30 hotels in Thailand, said hundreds of kilograms of meats, seafood and other fresh food had rotted at airports overseas. Its supplies of lamb and most seafood have already run out, according to general manager Kannikar Yantabutr. Deepak Ohri, chief executive of the five-star Lebua hotel that overlooks Bangkok's Chaophraya River, said occupancy had plunged to 24 percent compared to 70 percent the same time last year. Outbound mail and courier services were barely functioning and inbound services faced significant delays. Some airlines have rerouted flights to the tiny U-tapao airport 190 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Bangkok, resulting in chaos as thousands of tourists eager to get home descended on a terminal built for 400 _ with only a single X-ray machine. Others are leaving in more style. Bumrungrad International, a private hospital in Bangkok popular with foreigners, was rushing to find transportation for patients waiting to fly home. Chief Executive Mack Banner said the hospital plans to send 20 or more patients to the airport at the resort town of Phuket, a 12-hour drive south from Bangkok. "They're organizing a limousine or luxury car I can lie down flat on the way to Phuket," said Zane Lamont, a 35-year-old merchant marine sailor from Adelaide, Australia, who cracked two vertebrae while on vacation in Southeast Asia. "There'll be a nurse traveling with me the entire way." The flights from Phuket to Singapore and then on to Sydney will be first class so he can take advantage of a seats that extend to be fully flat. The insurance company is picking up the tab, Lamont said. "To do a little road trip adds a bonus to the holiday," he said from his bed with a smile. __ Associated Press writers Chris Blake, Jocelyn Gecker and Ambika Ahuja in Bangkok contributed to this report. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific New heart centre to handle 45% of outpatient cases by 2015Channel NewsAsia - 45 minutes ago Monsoon floods affect 370,000 in Sri Lanka: UNAFP - 57 minutes ago S’pore, Costa Rica to start talks on Free Trade AgreementChannel NewsAsia - 1 hour 5 minutes ago US wants NKorean nuke verification deal in writingAP - 1 hour 31 minutes ago Former Aussie rugby boss Jones slams 'crazy' EnglandAFP - 1 hour 37 minutes ago Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Wall Street plunges as recession becomes reality World AIDS Day highlights big challenges 20 years on Love handles increase death risk: study Saudi king says 75 dollar oil price 'fair' World's oldest person dies at 115 years View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Tuesday, 2 December 2008
NZ deploys military airplane for Thailand rescue
India demands Pakistan hand over suspects
2 US soldier investigated for prisoner abuse
Report: NKorean leader visits Pyongyang zoo
China to work with Obama's national security team
Acupuncture to save Joey Yung
Italy: La Scala deal reached, premier saved
Aaron Kwok to marry after staging his theatrical play
TVB axes over 200 employees
MOM resolves salary dispute involving Bangladeshi workers
S’pore Business Federation, NKorea sign MOU to spur investments
UN: Prepare for natural disasters despite downturn
Pump prices fall by another 4 cents per litre
SLA says demand for land to build schools remains healthy
Daryl Hannah makes splash with whale campaign
Hundreds to quit estate after NKorea tightens border curbs
`Four Christmases' coasts to $31.1 million debut
India says no military action against Pakistan: report
To shed pounds, three Americans head to China
IDC cuts '08 LCD TV shipment f'cast; sees '09 growth
Cargo flights resume from Bangkok intl airport
Official: Bomb blast kills 3, wounds 29 in India
Australian TV journalist jailed 10 months in Singapore for drugs offences
China investigates attack on foreign journalists
China says it's serious about climate change talks
Suspected Filipino militants abduct 7 workers
China: 6 babies may have died from tainted milk
Report: 11 girls die of poisoning at China school
Chris Brown a big hit with on-demand viewers
11 girls die of poisoning at school in north China
Ex-spy on trial for Indonesian activist's death
Hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili community calls on President Nathan
China mum on impact of Sarkozy-Dalai Lama meeting
TB rising in Singapore, contact tracing to be implemented
Pakistan offers joint probe of Mumbai attacks
Singapore sentences TV reporter to 10 months jail
S’pore, Costa Rica to start talks on Free Trade Agreement
Governments tackle HIV stigma on World AIDS Day
India demands Pakistan hand over terror suspects
Council recommends lifting ban on party political films in phases
Lee Tat wins legal battle against Grange Heights residents
US wants NKorean verification process in writing
Hillary is the buzz at Bill's donor conference
Bangkok's main airport shut until Dec. 15
Michelin gives first three-star rating to Chinese chef
'Chemical Ali' sentenced to death for Shiite crackdown
Iraq's 'Chemical Ali' condemned to death again
Iraq's Chemical Ali gets second death sentence | International |
World stocks tumble as economic fears deepen
"Chemical Ali" sentenced to death in Iraq
OSCE to discuss Georgia-Russia war | International |
Pakistani Taliban bomb Afghan supply convoy | International |
Vatican attacked for opposing gay decriminalization | International |
Darfur rebel leader resists peace talk pressure | International |
US wants NKorean nuke verification deal in writing
Saakashvili warns West on Russia ties | International |
Climate change fallout may cost annual $50 billion
Ex-bad boy China praised at climate talks
MM Lee meets China’s foreign minister in HK
Ex-bad boy China praised at climate talks
Zimbabwe's cholera toll hits nearly 500 | International |
Singapore's Koh Brothers wins $381 mln contract
Pakistani rupee firms despite tension with India
China says it's serious about climate change talks
Toyota to cut bonuses, production
Ex-bad boy China praised at climate talks
All local hotels issued alert after Mumbai attacks
Japan announces new measures to ease tight credit
HK index tumbles 5 percent on US losses
China shares mixed amid global losses
China urges developed world to take lead in climate change fight
Japan revises fiscal 2007 growth higher to 1.9 pct
South Korea groups' leaflet launches taunt angry North | International |
Bridgestone may cut jobs and production at US plant
Nokia unveils N97 touch screen phone | Technology |
Hitachi to enter memory-based drive business with Intel | Technology |
Producers use LA Times ad to toss salvo at SAG
J.K. Rowling back in stores with charity book | Entertainment |
Condoleezza Rice plays piano at Buckingham Palace
Producers use LA Times ad to toss salvo at SAG
Coming soon to Blockbuster stores: concert tickets
American teens lie, steal, cheat at 'alarming' rates: study
Chocolate sculpture sets new S’pore record
Mitsubishi Elec wins $131mln SingTel satellite deal
CORRECTED
S’pore, North Korea sign Investment Guarantee Agreement
Thai capital feels pinch from airport shutdown
Blast kills one, wounds 20 more at Bangkok airport: reports
S’pore suggests convening ASEAN Summit in Jakarta
Monsoon floods affect 370,000 in Sri Lanka: UN
ICA officer charged with accepting sexual bribes from Chinese national
New heart centre to handle 45% of outpatient cases by 2015
Lehman Minibond holders will not get swift resolution for investments
O'Connor set for first Australia rugby team start
MFA reiterates advisory to postpone travel to Bangkok
Former La Scala choir master Bertola dies at 87
Sri Lanka says military seizes rebel-held village
Pitt hates the paparazzi, talking about his family
Publisher of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt quits
Hong Kong finds more melamine-tainted Chinese eggs
US nuclear envoy expects "tough" six-nation talks
Paulson urges Chinese to continue currency reforms
US official: India knew of plot on Mumbai's coast
Few surprises on Walters 'Fascinating People' list
Security tops India Inc.'s concerns after attacks
New heart centre to handle 45% more outpatient cases by 2015
A high note for Callas: Plaque marks NY birth site
Mosquito teen-repellent device can now irritate grown-ups too
Musicians lift strike threat at Italy's La Scala opera
`Rachel,' `River,' lead Spirit Award nominees
Britney Spears to embark on `Circus' tour in March
Monaco's Ali Baba wine treasure trove
Vietnam seeks Google, help to control bloggers: reports
Shia LaBeouf to star in new Grisham thriller
No crisis for prized Danish Christmas trees: growers
Iraqi coach looking to restore life to Halabja
Timeline of Thailand's political crisis
Apple wins copyright case in China: state media
Iran court lifts ban on cinema magazine
Sharp to recall over 16,000 projectors
Norway's oldest woman dies at 109 years
San Francisco mayor turns to YouTube for "state of city" address
Taiwan hopeful for Chinese release of hit Japan-themed movie
YouTube seeks musicians for online orchestra
Afghan refugees arrested for violence in Pakistan's Karachi
Berlin festival to spotlight prescient Cold War cinema
MM Lee confident US can revive economy
New evidence fingers suspects in Hariri killing: UN report
Classic holiday stories inspire during tough times
'Chef of the century' Joel Robuchon reaches for the stars
YouTube cracks down on 'sexually suggestive' content
Swayze says he's winning fight against cancer
Kazakh film scoops prestigious Indian prize
South Korea's Hyundai cut production at all overseas plants
Families move into homes that Pitt built
US, Europe snap back from heavy losses
Extra jump rope for lingerie models pre-show
India, Pakistan tread lightly after Mumbai attack
Vietnam to cut prime rate to 10 percent
To shed pounds, three Americans head to China
Finland slammed by Euro rights court on two counts
Pakistan Islamists fan tensions with India
Thailand's prime minister resigns after protests
Chinese yuan falls sharply ahead of US talks
Police: Mumbai gunmen came by sea from Pakistan
Iraqi, Kuwaiti navies to police waterways together
NATO agrees thaw with Russia, boosts ties with Georgia, Ukraine
Yahoo up on reports of new takeover bid
UN concerned over treatment of Iraqi detainees
Rice flies to India to ease tension with Pakistan | International |
NATO agrees Georgia, Ukraine compromise: officials
Stricken big three automakers unveil future plans
'Chemical Ali' sentenced to death in Iraq
NATO agrees cautious re-warming of Russia ties | International |
Mistaken killing of Brazilian not unlawful: British coroner
Climate talks seen on track as SAfrica leads call for concessions
US military wants more 'Sons of Iraq' as police
Two terror suspects arrested in Milan
British Airways targets Qantas merger
Amnesty says torture routine in Mauritania | International |
Venice under water for second day
Recession tide rising as EU works on dam of state spending
U.N. sleuths find new evidence in Hariri killing | International |
Seoul shares open 1.5 pct higher; banks lead
CapitaLand to cut staff salaries between 3-20 pct
Climate talks seen on track as SAfrica leads call for concessions
S.Korea says FX reserves not seen falling much
Dialogue session on HOTA raises questions on compensation
Activists blast US at climate change talks
NZ new car registrations slide in November
Thai airports to reopen after PM ousted by court
Experts unearth Srebrenica bodies in ghost village | International |
Paulson urges Chinese to continue currency reforms
SKorea's foreign reserves fall by smaller margin
Ex-AOL boss looking to raise cash for Yahoo bid | Technology |
S.Korea Nov FX reserves drop $11.7 bln, seen falling more
OPEC chief wants to broaden cartel
Japan's 'lost decade' pushes US to overcorrection: analysts
Nokia takes on rivals with N97 touch-screen phone | Technology |
India's Tata Steel consolidated Q2 profit up 215 pct
FCC to mull free Internet plan at December meeting | Technology |
Shia LaBeouf to star in new Grisham thriller
Croat police turn on anti-government Facebookers: media | Technology |
Classical musicians get shot at fame on YouTube | Technology |
Nokia eyes wider use of Linux software in phones | Technology |
Police confident Hudson family murders solved | Entertainment |
Media exposure of children linked to obesity, tobacco use: study
Polanski seeks dismissal of decades-old sex charge | Entertainment |
Polanski requests dismissal of sex charge
Patrick Swayze denies reports he is near death | Entertainment |
Years and millions of dollars later, US Capitol visitor center opens
Brad Pitt says he's proud of growing family | Entertainment |
'Boeing-Boeing' sets a Jan. 4 B'way closing date
NBC exec: 'Meet the Press' deal close for Gregory
Britney Spears Circus is back -- new album, tour | Entertainment |
'Scrubs' returns with a 'friend' as its guest star
New Jay-Z song leaks, old videos go mobile | Entertainment |
Celebrities to flock to inauguration for Obama
Brandy breaks 4-year recording hiatus | Entertainment |
TV soaps and their stars face cost-cutting
Rachel Getting Married among top Spirit picks | Entertainment |
Boy George won't give evidence in male escort case | Entertainment |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01