Chavarat thanks UDD for not gathering during ASEAN meeting in Phuket

BANGKOK, 15 July 2009 (NNT) – Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul thanks the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for not disrupting the 42nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled from 17 to 23 July 2009 in the southern island province of Phuket.

Mr Chavarat stated that it was good news that the UDD had declared not to stage a rally in the meeting’s areas. However, he said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had assigned Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan to be responsible for security measures for the event, including the enforcement of the Internal Security Act on the island.

The Interior Minister added that under the law, any gatherings of people are prohibited in areas within a 5-kilometer radius of the meeting venues.