Supachai confirms readiness to host 15th ASEAN Summit

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 3 October 2009 (NNT) – Deputy Government Spokesperson Supachai Jaisamut confirmed the country’s readiness to host the upcoming 15th ASEAN Summit while saying that the Internal Security Act (ISA) enforcement in the meeting areas would be proposed to the cabinet.

During his visit to Cha-am district in Phetchaburi and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan to observe preparations ahead of the commencement of the 15th ASEAN Summit in the areas, Mr Supachai declared that the meeting venues were now fully ready. The Deputy Government Spokesman indicated that he had met with local residents of Hua Hin and was informed that they were proud to have the opportunity to act as the host of the regional gathering.

Mr Supachai strongly believed that the 15th ASEAN Summit would be successfully held and would help restore the international community’s confidence in Thailand. He cited that the country’s reputation had been damaged by the anti-government protesters’ disruption of the 14th ASEAN Summit in Pattaya, Chon Buri, last April.

Since the country’s political situation had not been completely pacified, the Deputy Government Spokesman stated that the imposition of the ISA within Cha-am and Hua Hin would be proposed by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to the cabinet for consideration. He assured that the Act’s enforcement was aimed to prevent any incidents from occurring and would not impact the locals’ way of life.

Mr Supachai also insisted that authorities would not block roads during the event but special lanes called ‘ASEAN Lanes’ would instead be reserved for the convenience of the attending delegates.

The 15th ASEAN Summit will take place from 23 to 25 October 2009 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan.