Thai army to safeguard ASEAN summits: army commander

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2009 15:13

BANGKOK, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Thai supreme military commander affirmed that the army is ready to safeguard Asian regional leaders during the ASEAN summits in mid-June in Thai resort Phuket, and mentioned the use of weapon as part of possible security measures, Thai media reported Wednesday.

The Bangkok Post online quoted Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkrabat as saying that the army will follow its rules in adopting security measures for the leaders, without elaborating the measures.

The army will comply with the rule of law if it has to use weapons as part of security measures, Songkitti said, adding that public should not worry about it.

The ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for June 13 and14 in Phuket, were originally planned to be held on April 10-12 in Thai resort Pattay before it was abruptly canceled on April 11 due to the disturbing of a flock of red-shirted protesters.

The commander also said he believes no Thais would try to obstruct the summit since it is a cooperation of ASEAN nations and their dialogue partners to solve problems not related to politics.

On the other hand, Wisut Tangwitayaporn, the local red-shirts leader in Phuket, said on Tuesday that his anti-government group would not take any action to disrupt the summit meetings.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei