ASEAN, dialogue partners summits proceed as planned: Thai Deputy PM

BANGKOK, April 10 (TNA) – Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban affirmed on Friday that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its dialogue partner summits (ASEAN+3,+6) would go ahead as planned even though the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) threaten to disrupt the summit in the eastern resort town of Pattaya.

Red-shirted UDD supporters were reportedly gathering in Pattaya preparing to block the entrance of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel—venue of the summits.

Mr. Suthep said the security authorities would not allow the protesters to enter the resort city so the summit can continue.

The three-day meeting of 10 ASEAN leaders and their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand is opening in Pattaya on Friday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier said he would not postpone the ASEAN meeting, but that military security can supplement police to handle the situation if needed.

UDD demonstrators demanded the resignations of four key persons -- Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda and two other privy councillors, Gen. Surayud Chulanont and Charnchai Likhitjittha, along with Mr. Abhisit. They also wanted the House dissolution.

Meanwhile, Mr. Suthep denied a report that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra has offered to end the UDD Red Shirt protest in exchange for the return of his family's frozen wealth and being granted asylum somewhere.

Mr. Thaksin was also reported as trying to negotiate via Army chief General Anupong Paochinda but Mr. Suthep said the rumours were groundless.

The deputy prime minister also said that he had never held talks with Mr. Thaksin. He said time for talks has passed. (TNA)