National carrier Malaysia Airlines and budget airlines AirAsia have cancelled all flights to Bangkok following the closure of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a result of anti-government protests in the kingdom.

Both the airlines informed their passengers today that their flights into and out of Bangkok were cancelled due to the prevailing situation there.

"We had four flights scheduled between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and have cancelled all these as Suvarnabhumi International Airport has been closed by the Thai authorities," said MAS' director of operations Tajuden Abdul Bakar in a statement today.

"As this closure is indefinite at this moment, we are unable to advise when our flight operations will resume," he added.

He said MAS customers can contact the 1-300 88 3000 for further updates. MAS passengers in Bangkok can contact MAS reservation office there at +662-263 0572 or + 662-1343 184 for latest information on the flight schedules.

He however said that Malaysia Airlines' twice-daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Phuker were operating as usual.

AirAsia offers refund

Meanwhile, AirAsia also posted an advisory in their website to tell their customers of the cancellations.

The budget carrier also said that all affected guests will automatically receive a refund for being unable to fly into Bangkok.

"To make arrangements for your next flight to/from Bangkok, please proceed to the AirAsia sales counter at your respective airport of departure after the Bangkok airport has reopened," said the AirAsia.

The carrier also urged customers to visit its website for further updates.

"AirAsia flights to/from Bangkok shall resume once the Suvarnabhumi International Airport reopens, subject to clearance from the Thai airport authority. We regret any inconvenience caused," it added.

Airport controlled by protesters

An on-going protest involving both pro- and anti-government supporters last night culminated with one faction taking control of the Bangkok airport, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

According to an AFP report, two grenade attacks in the capital deepened the sense of lawlessness after demonstrators stormed the airport, dramatically stepping up their campaign against Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, a three-billion-dollar showpiece hub for travel throughout Southeast Asia, was closed down as guards from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest movement sealed off roads to the facility.

The PAD said it completely controlled the airport - a pet project of ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra that opened with great fanfare in 2006 - and told airlines to apply directly to the group for landing rights.