New summit tipped for Phuket in June

By: POST REPORTERS

Published: 21/04/2009 at 03:36 PM

The government plans to host an Asian leaders' summit in Phuket in June, after red shirt protesters forced the recent cancellation of the Pattaya conference.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Foreign Ministry was considering Phuket as the venue for the meeting between Asean leaders and dialogue partners from China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and India.

He stressed the need to consult other countries about their confidence in returning to Thailand before making the final decision on the date and venue.

Normally the choice is made by the host. Thailand now holds the Asean chair.

"Thailand will still host the summit and the date will be set as soon as possible, because many member countries are needed to seek ways to solve the global economic slowdown together," he said.

Mr Abhisit said it was uncertain whether talks between Asian leaders and the chiefs from the Institute for Global Dialogue would be held this time, because of the new summit's schedule.

The international agencies are the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said the new summit should take place by June.

Phuket was a candidate for the original conference's venue, but the government opted for Pattaya instead.

The Pattaya meeting was cancelled after red shirt protesters broke into the venue at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort hotel on April 11.

Phuket governor Vichai Praisangop, and the Tourism Business Association in Phuket's president Somboon Jirayus, said the southern resort island was ready to hold the summit.

"If Phuket is selected as the summit venue, people will be ready. It will boost tourism in Phuket and Thailand's image," Mr Vichai said.

Pattaya mayor Itthiphol Khunplome yesterday asked the prime minister to consider his city to host the new summit.

Mr Itthiphol and an executive of Royal Cliff Beach Resort said the hotel would sue leaders of the red shirts for damages.

Mr Itthiphol said the damages bill could come to about 10 million baht.

21일자 방콕 포스트에 실린 내용 이예요. 
이번 회담 개최가 푸켓 지역에 안 좋은 영향을 끼치는 건 아닐지.
괜시리 걱정 스러운 맘이 드네요.