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Digg ThisBANGKOK, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Thailand has moved next week's Suzuki Cup, the Southeast Asian championship, from Bangkok to the southern island of Phuket to avoid the political crisis in the capital.
Emergency rule is now in place at Bangkok's two airports, which were occupied on Saturday by thousands of anti-government protestors braced for a prolonged siege with riot police.
"There's too much trouble in Bangkok, so we've decided to switch the venue," Thai soccer chief Worawi Makudi told Reuters on Saturday.
"All parties have agreed, this is the best solution to the problem and Phuket is a very suitable alternative."
Thailand is co-hosting the fiercely-contested biennial tournament, beginning on Dec. 5, with Indonesia.
Phuket will now host Group B, comprising Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia, while Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and holders Singapore will contest Group A in Jakarta.
