BANGKOK, May 22 (TNA) — Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon convened a meeting to discuss security measures for the 34th ASEAN Summit set in Bangkok on June 22 and 23, emphasizing efforts to prevent the repeat of the disastrous summit in Pattaya in 2009.
Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanit, spokesman of the Defence Ministry, said that in the meeting Gen Prawit told representatives of concerned organizations to study lessons from the past and prepare measures to prevent the repetition of untoward situations at a previous ASEAN Summit in Thailand.
Protests in April 2009 had forced a cancellation of the Asean Summit in Pattaya, after anti-government red-shirts stormed the meeting venue.
He said the authorities would have to intensify intelligence and implement proactive measures that were legal and internationally recognized.
“Gen Prawit stressed that national leaders will receive effective and honorable treatment when it comes to diplomatic protocols, immigration facilitation and safety, transport, security for very important persons, communication and medical services. There must be exercises on comprehensive responses to untoward incidents. Authorities with leadership will supervise relevant venues to ensure smooth operations and solutions,” Lt Gen Kongcheep said. (END)
