Thailand to Negotiate With Airport Protesters

Anti-government protesters shout and cheer during a protest at Suvarnabhumi international airport...

Anti-government protesters shout and cheer during a protest at Suvarnabhumi international airport Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand. The protest have forced the cancellation of outgoing and incoming of both domestic and international flights and stranding thousands of tourists when protesters demand the immediately resignation of the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

(Apichart Weerawong/AP Photo)

Thailand's government backed off Friday from its threat to forcibly remove protesters occupying Bangkok's two airports in their campaign to oust the prime minister, saying police would avoid violence and attempt to negotiate.

Thousands of tourists have been left stranded since anti-government protesters occupied the main international Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday and the smaller Don Muang airport on Wednesday. Both airports are now shut down and the capital completely cut off to air traffic.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency at the airports, authorizing police to take back the terminals. The order appeared to indicate that a crackdown was imminent against the members of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

But eight hours later, Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau told The Associated Press that police have been instructed to get the protesters out of airports "as soon as possible" in a "peaceful manner."

Related

Thai Protests Close Airport, Strand Many

WATCH: Protesters Storm Airport

Protesters Shut Down Thailand's Airport

"Firstly, the police should open negotiation with the protester. If they refuse to go, police should do whatever is necessary to open the airports on the basis of nonviolence," he said.

The new soft line, and the government's failure to send in security forces so far, has raised doubts about whether Somchai has the support of security forces and the army, a powerful institution that has traditionally played a key role in the country's politics.

Army commander Gen. Anupong Paochinda has so far been neutral in the political turmoil, and even suggested that Somchai call new elections, triggering speculation that a military coup could take place.The whispers were further fueled by press reports Thursday of tank movements that the military later said were only a training exercise.

In an address to the nation Thursday night to announce the emergency, Somchai said that navy and air force personnel would help the police, but was vague about any participation by the army, saying only the government would also ask the army "to help take care of the people."