Thailand ? Thailand’s government backed off today from its threat to forcibly remove protesters occupying Bangkok’s two airports in their campaign to oust the prime minister, saying police would avoid violence and attempt to negotiate.

Thousands of tourists have been left stranded since anti-government protesters occupied the main international airport on Tuesday and the smaller airport on Wednesday. Both airports are now shut down and the capital cut off to air traffic.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency at the airports, authorizing police to take back the terminals. But eight hours later, Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau said police have been instructed to get the protesters out of airports “as soon as possible” in a “peaceful manner.”