Court sacks Thai government

Thousands of British tourists stranded in Thailand are hoping extra flights can get them out of the troubled country today after a fatal attack on anti-government protesters occupying Bangkok's domestic airport.

A grenade was fired from an adjoining flyover into a crowd of activists at Don Muang airport last night, killing one person and wounding 22 others.

The number of people stranded in Thailand was put at 300,000, with the capital's main airport, Suvarnabhumi, remaining closed until at least tomorrow.

The protesters, members of the People's Alliance for Democracy, had said they would not allow airports to reopen until the government stood down, as they entered their eighth day of occupation.

Last night's attack on protesters was the third in two days. Seven people have been killed and scores injured in bomb attacks, clashes with police and street battles between government opponents and supporters.

Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell said major airlines including Qantas and Emirates were laying on extra flights with British government support to help people get home.But British tourists complained of being deserted. Jane Thewlis said: "Many countries have arranged special flights for its trapped country men and women. Our government is taking the position that the situation will rectify itself and we can stay put."