The siege of Govt House ends as protesters |move to airports

People's Alliance for Democracy members were busy moving equipment and tents from the three-month-old protest site at Government House yesterday as they prepared to move the fight to Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

Protesters collecting belongings such as TV sets and electric fans took photos as souvenirs.

Barricades come down

PAD announced that that no protestors would stay overnight in Government House grounds, with key leader Chamlong Srimuang saying the main reason behind the move was a concern for safety.

 He also said that |PAD barricades on nearby roads had to be cleared in preparation for HM the King's birthday on Friday.

The end of the Government House occupation came suddenly, though many PAD members could never have imagined it would last more than three months when they arrived on August 26.

The occupation began in protest against former Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, but continued when Somchai Wongsawat replaced him. The latter has not stepped into Government House since he became premiere, instead setting up temporary offices at Don Mueang Airport.

Most PAD supporters welcomed the news, believing that Government House is no longer the main focus of protest and that the rally sites at the airports are safer. They also want to move away from the pro-government protesters who have gathered at Sanam Luang.

"We don't want any lives to be sacrificed," said a poster on the Manager newspaper's website.