By Martin Petty

BANGKOK, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Bangkok's shiny new airport resembled the aftermath of an all-night rock concert as thousands of confused people wandered aimlessly in search of food and help while others, wrapped in beach towels, slept where they could.

With the $4 billion terminal besieged by anti-government protesters, forcing the cancellation of all flights on Wednesday, foreign tourists had little option but to bed down on benches, behind check-in desks, even on luggage carousels.

"This is a big problem," Dutch tourist John Crushak said as he lay on a makeshift bed of clothes and suitcases in one of the world's biggest airports.

"I just want to go home. I don't care what has happened. This can't go on any longer."

Dishevelled men and women wandered around the terminal soon after sunrise in search of coffee, food and some word about what was going on.

"I understand the people but the airlines are terrible. They've given us no information," said Swede Christopher Persson, who spent the night underneath a check-in desk.

"I haven't had any sleep. I don't know whether to go to Bangkok or stay here. It's just terrible," he said.

Despite the anger, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters camped outside the terminal doors were unapologetic.

They said their airport protest was justified as part of their 6-month-long bid to remove an elected government they believe is a puppet of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

"We will stay until the government steps down. This government is not legitimate. Thaksin is in control," said retired university lecturer Sunthorn Kaewlai, dressed in the PAD's obligatory yellow worn in honour of Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"We have not interfered with passengers' travel. The airport authorities have to run this airport," he added.

Behind him long queues snaked out of the toilets, the flooded, filthy floors of which were likely to dent the reputation of the "Land of Smiles" as a premier tourist destination that welcomes more than 14 million people a year.

"I understand these people want change, but to shut down an airport for their cause is a bit much and it won't help this country," said American Gary Biermann, who was resigned to not getting home in time for Thanksgiving on Thursday.

"It shouldn't affect the way I feel about Thailand but it will," he said.

For others, it was an awful end to a good holiday.

"I just want to go home," said Canadian Jason Walsh. "I had a great time here, but this has been a big disappointment." (Writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by Alan Raybould and Paul Tait)

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