Bangkok: Thousands of Thai farmers have called off a plan to blockade Bangkok’s main international airport after their leaders spoke with prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Ms Yingluck told them they would be paid next week for their latest rice crops under a controversial subsidy scheme that has cost Thailand billions of dollars.

Farmers drive their tractors and other farming vehicles in Ang Thong province, towards Bangkok. Credit:Reuters

Leaders of the group said the more than 1000-tractor convoy would travel to Bangkok and blockade the airport next week if they do not receive payments.

The Suvarnabhumi airport, built on swamp land on Bangkok's outskirts, was blockaded by anti-government protesters in 2008, causing chaos for air travellers in the country where tourism accounts for more than 10 per cent of gross domestic product.