May 20- UAE airlines continue to operate normally to and from Bangkok despite the spate of violence and bloody protests in the city which have spread throughout parts of Thailand. Some carriers report passenger loads that are nearly 50 percent lighter. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last night imposed a 10 hour curfew, between 8 pm and 6 am (Bangkok local time) for the next three days. James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO said “Etihad Airways is operating normally to and from Bangkok, despite the recent troubles in the Thai capital.”  Emirates Airways did not confirm its schedule but its website shows all flights into Bangkok were operating as usual. 

Meanwhile, Thai Airways told passengers to follow the curfew notice in Bangkok, nearby cities, and provinces in the north and northeast. A senior Thai Airways official said “Flights are currently operating as normal from the Middle East to Bangkok with no disruption in service.  For domestic flights within Thailand, to destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, there are absolutely no problems for tourists.”