Thailand Readies Itself To Host The 14th ASEAN Summit

[sriracha john]

Thailand Readies Itself To Host The 14th ASEAN Summit

and *POOF*, and now it's gone for at least 4 months.....according to Foreign Minister Sompong announcing a delay today until March 2009.

Still held in Chiang Mai, returned to Bangkok, moved to Nakhon Phanom...?

No word on the venue, just that he will ask at the Cabinet Meeting on Dec. 2 to go along with his recommendation for the delay. I presume the Chiang Mai Bunker (CMB) is where the next Cabinet Meeting will be held then?

[ovenman]

No word on the venue, just that he will ask at the Cabinet Meeting on Dec. 2 to go along with his recommendation for the delay. I presume the Chiang Mai Bunker (CMB) is where the next Cabinet Meeting will be held then?

Depends on what the Big guy in Dubai (or is it Hong Kong?) says...

[sriracha john]

Government expresses readiness for 14th ASEAN Summit

The government has affirmed its readiness to hold the 14th ASEAN Summit in Chiang Mai this December while asking citizens to be a good host to help create confidence amongst the international communities.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat stated after attending a meeting in preparation for the 14th ASEAN Summit that Thailand is ready to host the event with all relevant agencies, including police and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, completely prepared. The summit, taking place on December 13th to the 18th, will be organized at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai province.

For informational purposes, earlier this month, the then-PPP government's Cabinet approved a delay of the ASEAN Summit's scheduled opening tomorrow until March. The Party was dissolved later the same day prompting the current caretaker Cabinet we have now.

Abhisit to move up ASEAN summit to early Feb

The opposition party leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, today declared that if he is elected prime minister of Thailand on Monday, his government will accord the top priority to ASEAN and move up the 14th ASEAN summit to early February.

"The new government and Thai people are ready for the summit," he reiterated adding that he would also ensure that all ASEAN-related documents would go through the House's vetting in time for the 14th ASEAN summit, which will be rescheduled in early February instead of March.

"All preparations including documents are ready," he said adding that early February would be the best time. Some ASEAN members were anxious and wanted to have the ASEAN summit convened in January than March.

Abhisit also expressed deep appreciation to the ASEAN members for their support and understanding of the political situation that Thailand is facing. "I am grateful to ASEAN for its understanding and concerns," he said

Abhisit, whose party is expected to form a new coalition government next week, said that ASEAN is pivotal to all members because of its huge market and economic potentials and its future integration into one common community.

"The ASEAN Charter is an important step for ASEAN in strengthening the organization and providing clear direction," he said.

Abhisit pointed out that the new government needs to compensate the summit's postponement by forging broader and more concrete measures to cope with the ongoing global financial challenges when the ASEAN leaders meet along with their dialogue partners.

On the ASEAN Global Dialogue Initiative, the opposition party leader emphasized that such a high-power dialogue among key international financial institutions would be beneficial for ASEAN in exchanging views and learning from each other on measures to cope with financial crisis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-12

[Ricardo]

It might still be here in Chiang Mai, as there are some nice big "Welcome ASEAN" poster-boards, by the Governor's residence, and it would be a pity to waste them, and all the extra re-painting & gardening of road-junctions, which we have been seeing in recent weeks ?

[sriracha john]

Abhisit promises early ASEAN Summit if elected

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva pledged to try to host the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in early February next year if he is elected new prime minister. The ASEAN Summit, which was scheduled for Dec 15-18 in Chiang Mai, was postponed. "The new government ought to speed up the summit in order to restore the confidence of our ASEAN friends," Mr Abhisit said. The postponement was criticised by some ASEAN leaders, including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who described the delay as a setback for Southeast Asia.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135352

Edited December 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[Ulysses G.]

It might still be here in Chiang Mai, as there are some nice big "Welcome ASEAN" poster-boards, by the Governor's residence, and it would be a pity to waste them, and all the extra re-painting & gardening of road-junctions, which we have been seeing in recent weeks ?

They were digging up sidewalks all over town last night.

[Jai Dee]

Asean leaders hail new dawn of stability

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) quickly welcomed the news that Thailand will soon have a functioning government. The outcome of yesterday's parliamentary vote, electing Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva the new prime minister, was announced at the meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Jakarta. "There was a sign of relief around the room," Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said in Jakarta. "Now Thailand is back with a prime minister elected by the parliament."

Asean had reason to be relieved, as Thailand's political problems dogged this year's scheduled summit, which was deferred from this month to February to the annoyance of members, including Cambodia and Singapore. The diplomatic corps in Bangkok also welcomed the new government. But diplomats warned that success in restoring domestic and international confidence depended largely on sound economic policy and a return of stability to the country.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[animatic]

Asean leaders hail new dawn of stability

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) quickly welcomed the news that Thailand will soon have a functioning government. The outcome of yesterday's parliamentary vote, electing Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva the new prime minister, was announced at the meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Jakarta. "There was a sign of relief around the room," Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said in Jakarta. "Now Thailand is back with a prime minister elected by the parliament."

Asean had reason to be relieved, as Thailand's political problems dogged this year's scheduled summit, which was deferred from this month to February to the annoyance of members, including Cambodia and Singapore. The diplomatic corps in Bangkok also welcomed the new government. But diplomats warned that success in restoring domestic and international confidence depended largely on sound economic policy and a return of stability to the country.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

Seems the diplomats don't take issue with how this election went down.

If the liberal and conservative press and various Thaksin-die-hards want to vent,

let them. As long as they don't scare the livestock.

[sriracha john]

Abhisit affirms on hosting ASEAN summit

Prime Minister-elect Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed his confirmation over Thailand's hosting ASEAN summit meeting in February 2009 after making direct calls to ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Secretary-General on Tuesday (December 16).

Spokesman of Democrat Party Dr. Buranat Samuttarak revealed that after Prime Minister-elect Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva's declaring his policy statement to the Parliament, a special Cabinet meeting for the government-elect would be held to deliberate on the country's planned hosting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit meeting between February 24 and 26, 2009.

Mr. Abhisit, he said, made telephone calls to ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Surin Pitsuwan and other ASEAN Foreign Ministers on Tuesday to assure them that Thailand placed high priority on hosting the 14th ASEAN summit meeting. Dr. Buranat stated the venue would possibly be organized in Bangkok rather than Chiang Mai due to convenience for foreign entourages.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-17

[samgrowth]

Abhisit affirms on hosting ASEAN summit

Prime Minister-elect Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed his confirmation over Thailand's hosting ASEAN summit meeting in February 2009 after making direct calls to ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Secretary-General on Tuesday (December 16).

Spokesman of Democrat Party Dr. Buranat Samuttarak revealed that after Prime Minister-elect Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva's declaring his policy statement to the Parliament, a special Cabinet meeting for the government-elect would be held to deliberate on the country's planned hosting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit meeting between February 24 and 26, 2009.

Mr. Abhisit, he said, made telephone calls to ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Surin Pitsuwan and other ASEAN Foreign Ministers on Tuesday to assure them that Thailand placed high priority on hosting the 14th ASEAN summit meeting. Dr. Buranat stated the venue would possibly be organized in Bangkok rather than Chiang Mai due to convenience for foreign entourages.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-17

It would be better to hold the meeting in Phuket. You never know, the RED might shut down Swampy to embarrass Mark V.

Edited December 17, 2008 by samgrowth

[marshbags]

The Nation, Thu, December 18, 2008 : Last updated 10:30 hours

Asean is working to promote and protect human rights

By TERMSAK CHALERMPALANUPAP

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations has attracted a great deal of public attention with its new commitment to enhance regional cooperation on human rights with the establishment of an Asean human rights body. These articles are intended to provide some background information that could enable interested readers to develop a better understanding of this significant initiative. A good starting point is in 1993.

The six Asean member states (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) took an active part at the Regional Meeting for Asia of the World Conference on Human Rights, held in Bangkok in April 1993, as well as at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, in June 1993. Subsequently, in the Joint Communique at the 26th Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Singapore, in July 1993, foreign ministers of these six member states announced the following collective view about human rights - which remain valid and relevant today:

The foreign ministers welcomed the international consensus achieved during the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna and reaffirmed Asean's commitment to, and respect for, human rights and fundamental freedoms as set out in the Vienna Declaration of June 1993. They stressed that human rights are interrelated and indivisible, comprising civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. These rights are of equal importance. They should be addressed in a balanced and integrated manner and protected and promoted with due regard for specific cultural, social, economic and political circumstances. They emphasised that the promotion and protection of human rights should not be politicised.

The foreign ministers agreed that Asean should coordinate a common approach on human rights and actively participate and contribute to the application, promotion and protection of human rights. They noted that the UN Charter had placed the question of universal observance and promotion of human rights within the context of international cooperation. They stressed that development is an inalienable right and that the use of human rights as a condition for economic cooperation and development assistance is detrimental to international cooperation and could undermine an international consensus on human rights. They emphasised that the protection and promotion of human rights in the international community should take cognizance of the principles of respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. They were convinced that freedom, progress and national stability are promoted by a balance between the rights of the individual and those of the community, through which many individual rights are realised, as provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The foreign ministers reviewed with satisfaction the considerable and continuing progress of Asean in freeing its peoples from fear and want, enabling them to live in dignity. They stressed that the violations of basic human rights must be redressed and should not be tolerated under any pretext. They further stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation on all aspects of human rights and that all governments should uphold humane standards and respect human dignity. In this regard and in support of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of June 1993, they agreed that Asean should also consider the establishment of an appropriate regional mechanism on human rights.

The process to consider the establishment of this regional mechanism slowed down after 1995, partly because of increased political diversity following the arrival of four new members: Vietnam joined Asean in 1995; Laos and Myanmar in 1997; and Cambodia in 1999. Moreover, the East Asian financial crisis, which broke out first in Thailand in 1997, created new and serious challenges, forcing Asean to concentrate on addressing new and more urgent priorities. One of them was how to narrow the development gaps within the Asean membership.

Asean's strategic response to new challenges in the 21st century was to embark on community-building in 2003. Asean adopted in 2004 the Vientiane Action Programme (VAP), which was the first 7-year master plan for building the Asean Community on three pillars: political-security, economic-finance, and socio-cultural.

Cooperation on human rights appeared as part of political development in the Asean political-security community. Measures to be undertaken included: establishing a network of cooperation among existing national human rights mechanisms (in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand); promoting education and public awareness on human rights; elaborating on an Asean instrument for the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers; and establishing an Asean commission on the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children.

It is now commonly accepted in Asean that human rights are comprehensive, indivisible and cross-cultural in nature; they encompass all dimensions of human life. Therefore, they should be addressed holistically, not selectively. In Asean, promotion and protection of human rights has already been undertaken through functional cooperation to promote and protect the rights of women, children and migrant workers.

At the 12th Asean Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, in January 2007, the heads of state/government of the 10 Asean member states signed the Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. The Asean leaders tasked the secretary-general of Asean to submit an annual report on the progress of implementation of their Declaration.

Subsequently, the Asean Committee on the Implementation of the Cebu Declaration was established in July 2007, during the 41st AMM in Singapore. The committee is composed of one senior representative from each of the 10 Asean member states, as well as a representative from the Asean Secretariat. The committee reports to the Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM). One important task of the committee is to develop an Asean legal instrument for the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers. Within Asean, the Philippines is so far the only country that has ratified the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

The Asean Committee on Women and the Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development are undertaking ground work for establishing the Asean Commission On The Promotion And Protection Of The Rights Of Women And Children. A multi-disciplinary working group will soon be established to start drafting the terms for the proposed commission in the first quarter of 2009.

Cooperation on the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children in Asean has the advantage of the shared platform of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which all 10 Asean member states are parties.

TERMSAK CHALERMPALANUPAP is special assistant to the Asean secretary-general.

This is the first part of a two-part series.

Unquote

For all those who suffer discrimination and human misery, may it be urgently addressed and made a priority this time around

marshbags

Edited December 18, 2008 by marshbags

[samgrowth]

The Nation, Thu, December 18, 2008 : Last updated 10:30 hours

Asean is working to promote and protect human rights

By TERMSAK CHALERMPALANUPAP

Shame ASEAN is not working to promote air-travellers rights.

[sriracha john]

Mr. Abhisit, he said, made telephone calls to ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Surin Pitsuwan and other ASEAN Foreign Ministers on Tuesday to assure them that Thailand placed high priority on hosting the 14th ASEAN summit meeting. Dr. Buranat stated the venue would possibly be organized in Bangkok rather than Chiang Mai due to convenience for foreign entourages.

PM insists on hosting ASEAN summit in Bangkok

Prime Minister Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed the 14th ASEAN summit would be hosted in Bangkok, while most of 15 leaders of ASEAN states and partners preliminary confirmed they were available between February 7 and 9, 2009.

Commenting on Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Yeo, remarks suggesting earlier that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was pondering to adjourn ASEAN summit meeting sooner to late January and early February 2009, Mr.Vitavas Srivihok, Director - General of Department of ASEAN Affairs said on Sunday (December 21) that Thailand was prepared to host the ASEAN summit from the third week of January 2009 onwards.

At the moment he said that the country was awaiting reply from leaders of 15 ASEAN states and partners whether they would be available at the proposed periods, expecting officially date for the summit could be announced in the middle of this week.

Admitting it would be difficult for leaders of the 15 ASEAN member nations and partners would all be prepared in a specific time frame, he said that most of them so far pointed out February 7 and 9 should be the most suitable period for the summit, pending confirmation.

After Mr. Abhisit’s policy declaration to Parliament between December 29 and 30, he said that he would propose to the Cabinet to seek Parliament’s extraordinary session by the third week of January to consider approval documents which Thailand needed to sign during the summit.

Meanwhile, ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Surin Pitsuwan said that Mr. Abhisit told him that ASEAN summit would be hosted in Bangkok. Personally, he was not worried about potential demonstration during the summit as he believed that all Thai people preferred to be good hosts to restore foreigners’ confidence towards Thailand.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-21

[Koo82]

One simple reason: he does not dare to go up North so the thing is moved to Bangkok.

[Rinrada]

Thailand Readies Itself To Host The 14th ASEAN Summit

and *POOF*, and now it's gone for at least 4 months.....according to Foreign Minister Sompong announcing a delay today until March 2009.

Please NOT march......help ma boab....

thats when my next jolli is scheduled and I am getting a brand New 'FREE BURMA' (you Baskits) T-Shirt for my Christmas and its gonna be RED.........

Always were them in the Mai.....

couldnt organise a pz-up in a Brewery this lot........Jesu......

[Koo82]

It would be better to hold the meeting in Phuket. You never know, the RED might shut down Swampy to embarrass Mark V.

I suggest to hold it in Isaan where they love the new PM Ab- so much

Will you wake up? Only the yellow PAD (P A for Demorcrat Party) can block airports. Reds are not allowed to do such a stupid thing.

[sriracha john]

ASEAN diplomats met with FM, congratulates for improving political situation

Ambassadors of ASEAN member countries have paid a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to express their readiness to closely cooperate with Thailand in creating happiness for ASEAN people.

Ambassadors and envoys from nine ASEAN member countries attended talks on the ASEAN Community with Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya and emphasized the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the region to promote prosperity and happiness.

The diplomats also congratulated Thailand for the improvement of political situation and voiced their opinion that at present Thailand plays a very important role in ASEAN as ASEAN Chair when the ASEAN Charter takes effect for the first time.

The ambassadors and envoys also expressed readiness for the 14th ASEAN Summit to take place in Thailand in February next year.

At the same time, the Foreign Affairs Minister affirmed that Thailand as ASEAN Chair would strengthen regional cooperation in terms of security, economy, society, and human resources. He also urged the member countries to realize mutual benefits in the region and bridge gaps between them.

The minister also invited all Thai people to take part in the 14th ASEAN Summit by visiting the websites www.mfa.go.th and www.14thaseansummit.org.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-31

[samgrowth]

ASEAN diplomats met with FM, congratulates for improving political situation

Ambassadors of ASEAN member countries have paid a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to express their readiness to closely cooperate with Thailand in creating happiness for ASEAN people.

Ambassadors and envoys from nine ASEAN member countries attended talks on the ASEAN Community with Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya and emphasized the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the region to promote prosperity and happiness.

The diplomats also congratulated Thailand for the improvement of political situation and voiced their opinion that at present Thailand plays a very important role in ASEAN as ASEAN Chair when the ASEAN Charter takes effect for the first time.

The ambassadors and envoys also expressed readiness for the 14th ASEAN Summit to take place in Thailand in February next year.

At the same time, the Foreign Affairs Minister affirmed that Thailand as ASEAN Chair would strengthen regional cooperation in terms of security, economy, society, and human resources. He also urged the member countries to realize mutual benefits in the region and bridge gaps between them.

The minister also invited all Thai people to take part in the 14th ASEAN Summit by visiting the websites www.mfa.go.th and www.14thaseansummit.org.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-31

You you think Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya also emphasized on how must he enjoyed the closing of the airports; the free food, and music etc.

[sriracha john]

Thailand set to host ASEAN summit Feb 27-March 1

BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) - Thailand, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is prepared to host the regional summit from February 27 through March 1 in Bangkok, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said on Saturday.

After holding talks with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on organising the ASEAN summit, which has been postponed from last month, Dr. Surin, a former Thai foreign minister, said Thailand is now prepared to host the summit between those dates and is awaiting a reply from China.

China, South Korea and Japan, while not formal members of the group, are ASEAN dialogue partners.

Dr. Surin expressed confidence that the summit would help boost Thailand's confidence in regard to the economy, social concerns and politics in relation to the international community.

The ASEAN secretary-general said he had also asked Mr. Kasit to quickly appoint Thailand's permanent representative to ASEAN secretariat office because the liaison role is especially important for both the kingdom and the effective functioning of the regional bloc.

Mr. Kasit, meanwhile, said he would forward the remaining important documents which will be signed during the ASEAN summit for the consideration of Thailand's House of Representatives on January 8 and 9.

The name of Thailand's permanent representative to the ASEAN secretariat will be submitted to the

Cabinet meeting Tuesday for endorsement, Mr. Kasit said.

Major issues to be discussed during the ASEAN summit, according to Mr. Kasit, include transnational labour concerns, human trafficking and the ASEAN peacekeeping force.

[southerndown]

Thailand set to host ASEAN summit Feb 27-March 1

BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) - Thailand, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is prepared to host the regional summit from February 27 through March 1 in Bangkok, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said on Saturday.

After holding talks with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on organising the ASEAN summit, which has been postponed from last month, Dr. Surin, a former Thai foreign minister, said Thailand is now prepared to host the summit between those dates and is awaiting a reply from China.

China, South Korea and Japan, while not formal members of the group, are ASEAN dialogue partners.

Dr. Surin expressed confidence that the summit would help boost Thailand's confidence in regard to the economy, social concerns and politics in relation to the international community.

The ASEAN secretary-general said he had also asked Mr. Kasit to quickly appoint Thailand's permanent representative to ASEAN secretariat office because the liaison role is especially important for both the kingdom and the effective functioning of the regional bloc.

Mr. Kasit, meanwhile, said he would forward the remaining important documents which will be signed during the ASEAN summit for the consideration of Thailand's House of Representatives on January 8 and 9.

The name of Thailand's permanent representative to the ASEAN secretariat will be submitted to the

Cabinet meeting Tuesday for endorsement, Mr. Kasit said.

Major issues to be discussed during the ASEAN summit, according to Mr. Kasit, include transnational labour concerns, human trafficking and the ASEAN peacekeeping force.

if you google this topic you will see that three asean countries have already signed some trade agreements giving a clear signal

[samgrowth]

Thailand set to host ASEAN summit Feb 27-March 1

BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) - Thailand, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is prepared to host the regional summit from February 27 through March 1 in Bangkok, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said on Saturday.

Timetable for the RED to close the airports.I bet you it will happen.

[Koo82]

I reds only plan to block Kasit from attending this summit because he was a terrorist.

(For those who does not know: he joined PAD to block airports)

Edited January 4, 2009 by Koo82

[samgrowth]

I reds only plan to block Kasit from attending this summit because he was a terrorist.

(For those who does not know: he joined PAD to block airports)

Kasit protest peacefully. It is his rights. He is NOT a terrorist.

The RED would also do the same. Peaceful protest by causing the airport in-operatable. It is their rights as well.

[Plus]

It is true, though.

I bet Abhisit sweats with horror at the possibility of dealing with thoudands of protesters at the airport. He can't order to shoot them.

[Jai Dee]

PM : Parliament to approve ASEAN’s accords adjourned to Jan 21

Prime Minister Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva disclosed the Parliament’s session to consider framework accords to be signed during upcoming 14th ASEAN summit in Bangkok would be adjourned to January 21.

Mr. Abhisit said on Monday (January 5) that there would be no parliamentary session between January 8 and 9 as House Speaker Mr. Chai Chidchob, Senate Speaker Mr. Prasopsuk Boondet and a number of MPs would be busy on January 9.

If the session would be held on January 8, it may not be fair to MPs and senators as there would be numerous Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s documents pending to be endorsed.

The premier believed that the adjourned parliamentary session would be in time for upcoming 14th ASEAN summit to be held late February.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 06 January 2009

[Scott]

Twice today, while listening to the Thai news in English, it said that Mr. Abhisit had said the Reds aren't capable of disrupting the ASEAN summit. I don't know what was said in Thai, but using the 'not capable' sounds like a challenge. I hope this was just a poor translation.

[sriracha john]

"We will write to all nine Asean ambassadors to ask them to convey our message that the red-shirts will not allow Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to host the ASEAN meeting," core pro-Thaksin leader Jatuporn Prompan told AFP.

"We will not allow the terrorist Kasit to host the summit. We will mobilise hundreds of thousands to rally to show that the majority of Thai people do not accept him," said Jatuporn, who is also an opposition lawmaker.

- AFP / 2009-01-06

[samgrowth]

"We will write to all nine Asean ambassadors to ask them to convey our message that the red-shirts will not allow Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to host the ASEAN meeting," core pro-Thaksin leader Jatuporn Prompan told AFP.

"We will not allow the terrorist Kasit to host the summit. We will mobilise hundreds of thousands to rally to show that the majority of Thai people do not accept him," said Jatuporn, who is also an opposition lawmaker.

- AFP / 2009-01-06

There is a high chance that the said rally may be targetted at Swampy. I have put my travel around those key dates on hold.

[Scott]

Although my sympathies lie more toward the red side of the spectrum than the yellow, they certainly lack creativity if they are going after the airport. Perhaps they could hire one of the leaders from the yellow side to consult on strategy.

[Plus]

Just out of curiousity, what part of their bring back Thaksin agenda attracts you most?

Do you see any other motives for their protests, apart from saving his ass?

Why can't they be separated?