Thai deputy PM says gov't able to control situation

BANGKOK -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Tuesday morning said the government is able to control the current situation, and a string of measures will be rolled out to ensure tourist safety and normal operation of flights.

The Bangkok shutdown operation, launched by anti-government protesters to force the caretaker government to step down, entered its second day. In the morning, protesters besieged the Customs Department, Commerce Ministry and Labor Ministry.

The blockade of the workplaces has not prevented the proper functioning of these ministries, Surapong said, adding their hotlines are available for consultation.

According to Surapong, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has set up a service center to help tourists with commuting, and utmost efforts will be made to protect tourists.

He added that no reports had been received on tourists being injured during the rally.

The anti-government Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand earlier threatened to blockade Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) unless caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stepped down by Wednesday.

If the Aerothai is disrupted, all flights that take off and land in Thailand or fly over the Thai territory will be affected, Surapong said, adding the Aerothai will do its best to prevent the blockade from happening.