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All parties concerned should now assist Airports of Thailand to reopen Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to help repair the damage, which has sent repercussions throughout the entire economy. The reopening of the two main airports will be the first step towards an economic rehabilitation process. The country's economy has been severely damaged by the People's Alliance for Democracy's protest at the airports.

Even before the closure of the airports, the prospects for Thailand's economic growth next year were bleak. The blockade of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang prompted economic institutions to review their economic growth forecasts. According to the preliminary estimates, most of them expect that the Thai economy next year is unlikely to expand by more than 2 per cent.

In normal circumstances, the Thai economy should grow at least 5 per cent to sustain a satisfactory level of consumption and employment. But economists now predict that Thais should consider themselves lucky to see an economic growth rate topping 3 per cent.

It will be a big challenge for ordinary Thais and the business sector to survive the economic doldrums, amid a grim global picture in which demand from major export markets such as the US and Europe is sinking fast.

The opening of the airports is crucial for the Thai economy, which is driven by international trade and investment. The tourism industry is a major source of foreign exchange earning and provides jobs for millions of Thais. The business sector last week estimated that the shutdown of the airports caused economic damage of more than Bt140 billion.

Now that the PAD protesters have agreed to leave the airports, the government and all parties involved should coordinate to get the gateways open as soon as possible while ensuring normal, safe and effective operations.

The Cabinet yesterday appointed acting Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat to lead a committee to look at ways to alleviate the affects of the closure of the two Bangkok airports. Despite the status of the current administration as an interim government, the committee will work at full capacity to ensure the airports are restored to normal operating conditions as soon as possible.

The protests at the airports had an immediate effect on AOT, with its earnings next year expected to fall further than expected, down to 78 per cent of this year. The closure of the airports came at the worst possible time, paralysing air traffic just as the tourism season is beginning to reach its peak.

The blockade also sent shock waves that have affected the confidence of other industries. Business in the retail gift and accessory sector has dropped by 2 per cent as the festive season approached.

It should be noted that AOT's management and the Royal Thai Navy deserve applause for their excellent job in finding alternative airports during the crisis. With an almost complete absence of government leadership, AOT's management came out to solve the immediate problem by opening U-tapao military airport and provincial airports to provide international air services while the two main airports were shut down.

After the PAD leaders announced the withdrawal of the protesters from the airports on Wednesday night, AOT staff immediately went to Suvarnabhumi to start the inspection process. They will need some time to check and renovate the airport's systems and processes, and then to re-certify the facility as being able to function efficiently and safely. It is estimated that it might take months before getting back to full normality.

Once the country's main gateways are successfully reopened, the process of regaining confidence can begin.