Thai protesters shut down airport

Flights from Thailand’s international airport have been suspended after hundreds of anti-government protesters stormed the building in Bangkok.

At least 3,000 passengers are said to be stranded at Suvarnabhumi airport, with all access roads blocked off.

The demonstrators are now reportedly in the control tower, and say airlines must seek their permission to land.

It is the latest move in a campaign by the opposition People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to oust the government.

Hundreds of masked demonstrators, carrying huge Thai flags and makeshift weapons, stormed through police lines on Tuesday.

Airport director Serirat Prasutanon said operations had been “totally shut down” since early on Wednesday, and that 78 outbound and incoming flights had been affected.

Film fest chief resigns amid political controversy

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) – In the wake of harsh industry criticism over his $1,500 donation to support the recently passed California ballot initiative Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage, Richard Raddon has resigned his post as director of the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Board members of Film Independent, the nonprofit organization that produces the festival, refused to accept Raddon’s resignation two weeks ago, shortly after his personal donation was revealed on Movie City News’ The Hot Blog. But during a meeting Monday, they reversed their decision.

“I have always held the belief that all people, no matter race, religion or sexual orientation, are entitled to equal rights,” Raddon said in a statement. “As many know, I consider myself a devout and faithful Mormon. I prefer to keep the details around my contribution through my church a private matter. But I am profoundly sorry for the negative attention that my actions have drawn to Film Independent and for the hurt and pain that is being experienced in the GLBT community.”

In a statement, Film Independent said it was only “with great reluctance” that it accepted Raddon’s resignation from the position he had held since 2000.