Thailand Readies Itself To Host The 14th ASEAN Summit

[baht&sold]

"PM Abhisit confident Cambodia's Hun Sen will attend ASEAN" (Article link)

(despite the best/worst efforts by Mr Thaksin's lawyer and ex-Thai Foreign minister Noppadon's Lobby to Mr Thaksin's Cambo golf n casino buddy)...

[sriracha john]

Cambodia PM to attend ASEAN summit in Thailand

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will attend the ASEAN summit to be held in the seaside town Hua Hin in Thailand in late February, said an official here on Sunday.

"And the ASEAN meeting with other partners still plays a very important role," Hor Namhong, deputy prime minister and minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told reporters.

Hun Sen suggested that other ASEAN members should also consider to participate in the ASEAN summit and the ASEAN meeting with other partners, he added.

- Xinhua / 2009-01-12

[cmsally]

Apparently PM Abhisit had to call and give a personal invitation:

Hun Sen to attend Asean summit

But then with $80 billion of aid to be spread around, party time at the trough probably seemed a bit too good to avoid.

[samgrowth]

Thanks Ricardo.

From the news I got so far, it seems that representatives from China, Cambodia and Vietnam are not sure if they can come for some reasons.

The truth is, if the terrorist PAD had not blocked the airports, the Summit would have been taken place.

Shame on PAD. I don't know why PAD are loved by some people here. What did PAD contribute to the development of Thailand?

At least PAD put Thailand back into CNN & BBC headline news (on Swampy closure). Most people in this world does not even know where Thailand is.

Many Americans think Thailand & Taiwan is the same country. And Austria & Australia. Or Switzerland & Swaziland. Do Thailanders have cloths on, some may ask.

[Jai Dee]

Thai PM assures diplomatic envoys of political stability

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday assured diplomatic representatives from 93 countries that Thailand will strengthen the country's political stability and restore confidence both locally and internationally.

Abhisit made the vow when delivering an address to the diplomatic corps at the Government House Wednesday morning.

From late 2005, Thailand's image has been hard hit by the country's political deadlock amid a series of anti-government street rallies in Bangkok and other major cities. The Abhisit-led government was appointed in mid-December last year.

The Thai premier conceded that the domestic political situation has been volatile, but the country's democracy is going through changes which will bring back unity to the country, the website by Bangkok Post reported on Wednesday.

Abhisit vowed to stabilize and strengthen the domestic politics while restoring confidence in the local economy by using short-term and long-term economic stimulus measures.

On the international front, the Thai government will rebuild the international confidence in the country, starting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which is planned to be held in the central resort town in Hua Hin of Prachuab Khirikhan province from Feb. 27 to March 1.

Source: Xinhua - 14 January 2009

[hammered]

Thai PM assures diplomatic envoys of political stability

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday assured diplomatic representatives from 93 countries that Thailand will strengthen the country's political stability and restore confidence both locally and internationally.

Abhisit made the vow when delivering an address to the diplomatic corps at the Government House Wednesday morning.

From late 2005, Thailand's image has been hard hit by the country's political deadlock amid a series of anti-government street rallies in Bangkok and other major cities. The Abhisit-led government was appointed in mid-December last year.

The Thai premier conceded that the domestic political situation has been volatile, but the country's democracy is going through changes which will bring back unity to the country, the website by Bangkok Post reported on Wednesday.

Abhisit vowed to stabilize and strengthen the domestic politics while restoring confidence in the local economy by using short-term and long-term economic stimulus measures.

On the international front, the Thai government will rebuild the international confidence in the country, starting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which is planned to be held in the central resort town in Hua Hin of Prachuab Khirikhan province from Feb. 27 to March 1.

Source: Xinhua - 14 January 2009

Abhisit does seem to be exerting control:

Winning by-elections handily

Economic package including things for the poor

Peau Thai gradually falling apart: Today 20 Peau Thai trying to leave the party and join the governmnment side (Bhum Jai Thai) but being stopped by the EC for now. Abhisit majority looks even better.

Public sick of demos

Red shirts in disarray and divided

Tactically brilliant relocation of ASEAN summit which if attacked by the reds will be done in environment where people want them dealt with

ASEAN should go off OK unless the red boys really want to go out in a blaze of inglory.

[Koo82]

If Abhisit is getting that much supports, let's set the venue back to Chiangmai or best Udon Thani .

[TAWP]

Listen to what Kasit said in the interview regarding Khun Hun Sen, using bs word and other ugly words, to see how he is matched to be terrorist more than a Foreign Minister.

There is the word 'terrorist' again. So what words will you use when an actual terrorist comes along? 'Super-terrorist'?

Don't dilute the meaning of the word just to try to score some points.

[mrtoad]

If Abhisit is getting that much supports, let's set the venue back to Chiangmai or best Udon Thani .

You continue on your devisive path, without consideration to the general benefits of the country. Time for some of the Toxin fans to realise that he isn't number one in this country at this time.

[mrtoad]

If Abhisit is getting that much supports, let's set the venue back to Chiangmai or best Udon Thani .

So where is Thaksin?

[Jai Dee]

ASEAN Summit to be held at Dusit Thani Hua Hin

The Director of the Department of ASEAN Affairs announces that a conclusion has been made to host the 14th ASEAN Summit at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Hua Hin while affirming that all 10 member nations have confirmed their attendance.

ASEAN Affairs Department Director Witawas Sriwihok (วิทวัส ศรีวิหค) stated, after attending a meeting on preparation for the upcoming 14th ASEAN Summit, that the Dusit Thani Hotel in Hua Hin has been selected as the venue for the event and that Maruekhathayawan Palace will be opened for the ASEAN leaders’ dinner gala. He assured that all 10 member nations will be present at the meeting and that a convening with his counterparts from the countries will take place today (January 15th).

Mr. Witawas noted that the event should help revive confidence and trust in Thai tourism while also expressing no concern over a threatened protest by the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) at the summit, citing authority preparations to deal with the situation.

Mr. Witawas added that all preparations have been made to facilitate the travel of the ASEAN leaders, including readiness of the airport for welcoming the arriving leaders. As for the ASEAN+6 meeting, he said that the discussion over the event would take place in April.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 15 January 2009

[Jai Dee]

Envoys: All ASEAN leaders to join summit meeting

ASEAN envoys insisted their leaders would definitely participate in the upcoming 14th ASEAN summit in Hua Hin to be held between February 27 and March 1.

Prime Minister Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday (January 14) following the reception for the diplomatics corps and heads of international organizations in Thailand that the Thai Government proposed that all nations in the world to slash trade barriers as it would aggravate global economic crises after foreign envoys expressed worrisome on global economic situation.

The premier also told the envoys that he hoped every nation facing economic woes would be able to tackle the problems.

Mr. Abhisit also said that envoys of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) told him that their leaders would definitely participate in the upcoming 14th ASEAN summit in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin, in the southern province of Prachuab Khiri Khan.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 15 January 2009

[sriracha john]

Reds ideas on the summit are very inconsistent.

What do exactly do they plan to do?

They plan to send letters to 9 countries

From the news I got so far, it seems that representatives from China, Cambodia and Vietnam are not sure if they can come for some reasons.

Envoys: All ASEAN leaders to join summit meeting

Seems like ASEAN took those 9 "red" letters and tossed them in the bin (wastebasket).

[samgrowth]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

Edited January 15, 2009 by samgrowth

[Briggsy]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

I very very much doubt this. If the Reds attempted this, the army would do a Tak Bai. The Reds know it and would not attempt such a suicidal move.

[Jai Dee]

FM: All ASEAN members have confirmed attendance to ASEAN Summit

The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs assures that all ASEAN member nations have confirmed their attendance to the ASEAN Summit this February, adding that the Rohingya refugee problem will be a topic of discussion.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva invited relevant agencies to meet yesterday (January 21st) for preparation of the upcoming 14th ASEAN Summit taking place in Hua Hin next month, as well as the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, which are scheduled to precede the summit.

In addition, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Weerasak Futrakul (วีระศักดิ์ ฟูตระกูล) announced afterwards that all ASEAN countries have responded to their invitations confirming their attendance to the event. He noted that his ministry will also invite nations with Rohingya population to join in discussion over the Rohingya refugee problem to find solutions to the regional issue.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 22 January 2009

[DaleBlue]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

I very very much doubt this. If the Reds attempted this, the army would do a Tak Bai. The Reds know it and would not attempt such a suicidal move.

Or mark them as Rohingya, and release them in the open sea. Common, the Navy may be a little nasty, but not the Army. They even receive roses from the public in the last coup.

[ballpoint]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

I very very much doubt this. If the Reds attempted this, the army would do a Tak Bai. The Reds know it and would not attempt such a suicidal move.

Or mark them as Rohingya, and release them in the open sea. Common, the Navy may be a little nasty, but not the Army. They even receive roses from the public in the last coup.

You obviously haven't been around very long. The army have a deep seated tradition of extreme nastiness.

[jbowman1993]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

Apparently you are not aware of who owns the Dusit Thani Hua Hin. I'm sure the Reds are very aware, which is why absolutely nothing will happen during ASEAN.

[DaleBlue]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

Apparently you are not aware of who owns the Dusit Thani Hua Hin. I'm sure the Reds are very aware, which is why absolutely nothing will happen during ASEAN.

Who own the Dusit Thani? Mark? Thaksin? I really don't know.

Edited January 22, 2009 by DaleBlue

[sriracha john]

"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.

in their warm-up protest, they came up just a few shy of "hundreds of thousands"....

Some 30 red-shirted people protest at Government House

Some 30 red-shirted protesters rallied outside the Government House Wednesday morning to demand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House and resign.

- The Nation / 2009-01-07

They are getting much, much closer now to the "hundreds of thousands"...

Red-shirted people urge Burma, Singapore to boycott ASEAN summit

About 100 red-shirted supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra rallied in front the Burmese and Singapore embassies Friday morning, urging the two countries to boycott the ASEAN summit next month.

The demonstrators were led by Veera Musigapong, Jakrapob Penkair, Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Saikua.

They rallied in front of the Burmese Embassy at 10 am and in front of the Singapore Embassy at 11 am.

They submitted letters to the secretary of each embassy, calling on the prime minister of the two countries not to attend the summit.

- The Nation /2009-01-23

[jbowman1993]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

Apparently you are not aware of who owns the Dusit Thani Hua Hin. I'm sure the Reds are very aware, which is why absolutely nothing will happen during ASEAN.

Who own the Dusit Thani? Mark? Thaksin? I really don't know.

I should have been more clear - while Dusit is a publicly traded company, the land all the Dusit hotels are built on are leased from the Crown Property Bureau. Who that group is affiliated with - I'll leave it to you to discern...

[Koo82]

I think the RED will start planning to capture Dusit Hua Hin, and the road between BKK & HH.

I am sure Mark have a back up plan and already book 2nd & 3rd hotel incase the 1st one is deemed in-operatable.

They have been known for secretly changing the venue against the Constitution Law. The Law said declaring policies must be done in Parliament House.

Sure at last minute the Marks will quietly hide themselves in some sort of police trucks, move and hold the meeting in another place.

But you are wrong. The Army and Police did not act to stop yellow PAD nuts but they will be in riot gears to stop the reds.

[KhaoNiaw]

A great quote from the Nation on 23/1/09:

Reading the petition, Jakrapob said that Abhisit Government was not real representatives of Thai people. Moreover the appointment of Kasit had against the public's views as he joined the protesters after they seized the airports.

"We support Asean, but could not support the (Thai) government that had no legitimacy to administer the country," he said.

So, to complain that the Thai government has "no legitimacy to administer the country" they go to the Burmese of all people. I suppose some juntas are just better than others, some you can deal with and some you can't. And you only believe in helping out the poor and downtrodden if there are votes in it for you.

[Koo82]

urging the two countries to boycott the ASEAN summit next month

This is wrong. People who do not follow news may think the reds are trouble makers.

We DO NOT urge any country in those 9 countries to boycott anything.

So far we've sent 2 letters to Burmese and Singaporean embassies saying that we support the ASEAN Summit but we will protest against the terrorist Kasit. We are shy having such a lousy Minister.

We wrote clearly in the letter that we do not have any issue with countries who come to the Summit.

We will continue sending letters to other 7 countries' embassies.

[sriracha john]

urging the two countries to boycott the ASEAN summit next month

This is wrong. People who do not follow news may think the reds are trouble makers.

We DO NOT urge any country in those 9 countries to boycott anything.

So far we've sent 2 letters to Burmese and Singaporean embassies saying that we support the ASEAN Summit but we will protest against the terrorist Kasit. We are shy having such a lousy Minister.

We wrote clearly in the letter that we do not have any issue with countries who come to the Summit.

We will continue sending letters to other 7 countries' embassies.

* Better send one to India also... so they can forget about the FTA worth billions to all sides. I'm sure they'll back off from that in order to support DUDD *

ASEAN-India may ink free trade accord

BANGKOK- A free trade agreement between India and South-east Asia is expected to be signed at the upcoming summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), state-run media reported Sunday.

Director-General Apiradi Tantraporn of Thailand's Foreign Trade Department said the pact was planned for the 14th ASEAN Summit scheduled Feb 27-March 1 at Hua Hin beach resort, 130 km south-west of Bangkok, the Thai News Agency reported.

The agreement would reduce Indian tariffs to zero on 3,666 imported items from South-East Asia by the end of 2012.

ASEAN-made goods expected to gain from zero tariff include refrigerators, fans, air-conditioner parts, jewellery and ornamental goods, rubber products, and plastic resins, Apiradi told the agency.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A partial trade agreement that has already gone in to effect between Thailand and India covers only 82 items.

- Navhind Times (India) / 2009-01-26

[sriracha john]

urging the two countries to boycott the ASEAN summit next month

This is wrong. People who do not follow news may think the reds are trouble makers.

We DO NOT urge any country in those 9 countries to boycott anything.

So far we've sent 2 letters to Burmese and Singaporean embassies saying that we support the ASEAN Summit but we will protest against the terrorist Kasit. We are shy having such a lousy Minister.

We wrote clearly in the letter that we do not have any issue with countries who come to the Summit.

We will continue sending letters to other 7 countries' embassies.

* I don't think the Cambodian Foreign Minister got your letter about Kasit *

Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (left) shakes hands with Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong at the ministry of foreign affairs in Phnom Penh January 26, 2009. Kasit Piromya is in Cambodia to discuss the disputed land around the Preah Vihear temple.

REUTERS

Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (left) and Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong hold a news conference after their meeting at the ministry of foreign affairs in Phnom Penh January 26, 2009. Kasit Piromya was in Cambodia to discuss the disputed land around the Preah Vihear temple.

REUTERS

Edited January 26, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

"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.

in their warm-up protest, they came up just a few shy of "hundreds of thousands"....

Some 30 red-shirted people protest at Government House

Some 30 red-shirted protesters rallied outside the Government House Wednesday morning to demand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House and resign.

- The Nation / 2009-01-07

They are getting much, much closer now to the "hundreds of thousands"...

Red-shirted people urge Burma, Singapore to boycott ASEAN summit

About 100 red-shirted supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra rallied in front the Burmese and Singapore embassies Friday morning, urging the two countries to boycott the ASEAN summit next month.

- The Nation /2009-01-23

*their numbers have slipped by a half since this mass rally of a 100, but I'm sure they'll make it to Jatuporn's "hundreds of thousands" very soon*

Red-shirted people demonstrate at Parliament

Some 50 red-shirted supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra rallied in front of Parliament Monday afternoon against the deliberation of the government's legal framework for holding the ASEAN Summit.

- The Nation / 2009-01-26

[Koo82]

Why are you worried how many reds attending each meeting? The Dems are not shy with what they have done and they don't care how many are protesting against them.

Let's hope 10 or 12 people will show up in the meeting on 31 Jan (this month) at Sanam Luang, if that satisfies you.

[Koo82]

So, did terrorist Kasit take back that land around Preah Vihear temple? He said that when he was on PAD stage during their 3 month illegal protest.

I remember the case was decided 50 years ago or so by the World Court. Many governments have gone in and out and no one could take back the land.

Only Kasit said he/they could/should take the land back.