ID :
72043
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 20:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/72043
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Internal Security Act lifted in Phuket as ASEAN meetings end
BANGKOK, July 24 (TNA) - Thailand on Friday lifted enforcement of its Internal Security Act in place in the Thai resort island of Phuket, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting with the pact’s dialogue partners closed Thursday, according to Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.
The government had imposed the Internal Security Act on the island since July 10 in a move to prevent gathering which might have disrupted the 42nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM) and the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings.
In April, the Thai government was forced to cancel the ASEAN summit with its dialogue partners at Pattaya after protesters from the anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) stormed into a hotel complex where national leaders and delegates were meeting.
Gen. Prawit said the success of the ASEAN meetings in Phuket can restore confidence regarding Thai security measures among participant nations. Security units from each participant country were also satisfied with the strict measures of Thailand’s security-concerned agencies, as well as with the cooperation of local residents.
When asked whether the government will apply the Phuket-model security plan to the upcoming ASEAN Summit scheduled for October, the defence minister said it depends on where the summit will be held. The government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further discuss this. (TNA)
The government had imposed the Internal Security Act on the island since July 10 in a move to prevent gathering which might have disrupted the 42nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM) and the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings.
In April, the Thai government was forced to cancel the ASEAN summit with its dialogue partners at Pattaya after protesters from the anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) stormed into a hotel complex where national leaders and delegates were meeting.
Gen. Prawit said the success of the ASEAN meetings in Phuket can restore confidence regarding Thai security measures among participant nations. Security units from each participant country were also satisfied with the strict measures of Thailand’s security-concerned agencies, as well as with the cooperation of local residents.
When asked whether the government will apply the Phuket-model security plan to the upcoming ASEAN Summit scheduled for October, the defence minister said it depends on where the summit will be held. The government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further discuss this. (TNA)
