According to initial estimates, there are 100,000 stranded passengers in Thailand after anti-government protesters led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) forced the shutdown of Bangkok’s two major airports. The protesters would not leave the airport premises; they want Thailand’s Prime Minister to resign first. Protesters have overtaken two airports this week: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thailand’s new airport) and Don Mueang International Airport. The main casualty is Thailand’s tourism industry. This is a peak season and Thailand is one of Asia’s major transport hubs. The travel plans of hundreds of thousands of tourists all over the world have been affected. Most stranded passengers are not trapped inside the airports; they are likely staying at hotels in central Bangkok. Many hotels are providing free accommodation for overstaying tourists. For those who are staying in the airports, their situation is not good. Andrew Wood of Bangkok’s Chaophya Park Hotel & Resort reveals: “Bangkok based tour operators visiting the airport since early this morning report that the hygiene situation at the airport is quickly deteriorating with limited toilets and washrooms. Food outlets also are struggling to keep up with demand with food supplies dwindling. This is likely to become critical if PAD supporters block supply routes.” What are the views of some of the stranded passengers, Bangkok residents and the now world infamous protesters? Richard Hosier who visited Thailand with his family is very angry: “I am stuck here in Thailand with my wife and children after choosing to holiday here. We can't get home so I like to say thank you to the kind people of Thailand who try to help us and thanks to the PAD who show once again that their actions are designed to hold hostage the Kingdom of Thailand in order to achieve their un-democratic demands.” Kenny is not that mad at the protests: “I am safe and the protests are quite localized around the airports in Bangkok. While many tourists are starting to scramble and are a bit peeved about the airport delays, most people seem more discouraged about the unseasonal rain at the beaches.” Go East Young Woman discourages friends from visiting Thailand today: “It’s not so much dangerous right now as potentially dangerous, but it’s very inconvenient to be a tourist in Thailand right now. Both Bangkok airports are closed. Many people are stranded there. The PAD doesn’t seem to be taking hostages or anything like that, but a situation like that could easily turn volatile. I wouldn’t risk my safety there unless I had to. The mob keeps protesting in new areas all the time, so even if the airports are cleared and opened again, until the situation is resolved, who knows what they will decide to block next? “No one seems to be targeting foreigners or tourists for violence, but there is still a risk of being caught in the crossfire of a violent situation between Thais if things go bad. “Personally, I am trying to avoid public areas with a lot of people at the moment, especially government areas.” Tuesdaynight will escape Thailand through other routes: “We are currently on the island of Lanta and having a great time, all things considered. We were supposed to leave for home tonight, but Bangkok’s airport has not reopened and there are no signs it will do so for a while. “We are going to make our way to Singapore by way of Langkawi and then KL. Hopefully, we’ll he home by the 1st.” You Tube video of PAD protest at Bangkok's airport Since many airlines use Thailand as a transit point, passengers from nearby countries are also stranded. For example, a family extended their stay in Cambodia because their flights were canceled. Some Americans missed the Thanksgiving Day celebrations in the United States. Brunei Lifestyle mentions the case of haj pilgrims who were trapped in Thailand: “I was touched when I read that Thai haj pilgrims are now stranded at the Bangkok’s international airport. The report said that hundreds of Thai Muslims are now spending their third nights, fourth if tonight they are still there. “The rest of the haj pilgrims have chosen to stay at the airport but they have to make it to Mecca by next week, 2 December which is the cut-off date for the haj this season. What touches me was when they said that the pilgrimage is a test of faith but the airport chaos is already the test. “Some of them have saved all their lives for this once in a lifetime pilgrimage. Many of those stranded are elderly and frail but still hoping to be able to perform the haj this year. I wish they would all be able to make it to the holy land and have a safe journey.” The Malaysian government has sent military aircrafts to rescue its citizens.