ASEAN concerned about Thailand’s crisis

BANGKOK, 22 May 2010 (NNT) – Members of ASEAN have voiced their concerns over the political violence in Thailand, which may affect the roadmap for the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015.

A recent statement issued by ASEAN mentions that peace, stability and the development of Thailand are crucial for driving the region towards the target of becoming the ASEAN Community in 2015. ASEAN will give full support to the Thai government as well as its citizens for finding a peaceful approach to solve the problem with respect to the principle of democracy and the rule of law.

The statement was made after ASEAN members, such as Vietnam, Singapore, Laos, and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, had expressed their concerns for the prolonged Thai political conflict on the international stage. They demanded negotiations for ending the crisis, stressing that the stabilization of Thailand would bring stability to the entire region as well.