November 5, 2008
Bangkok - Thailand is ready to host the 14th ASEAN Summit in Chiang Mai in December after a meeting on summit preparation was called this morning.
The regional summit is scheduled to take place during December 13-18.
"Many leaders asked me whether Thailand is ready to host the meeting... I have reassured them that Thailand is ready," Somchai said.
"We will hold the meeting in Chiang Mai as many leaders have requested it and because of the significance of the Chiang Mai initiatives," Somchai added, referring to the regional financial rescue plan drawn up there in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
The Royal Thai Police and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed readiness of meeting place arrangement.
Dara Thevi Hotel will be used to serve each nation’s leader while Shangri-La Hotel will be the meeting place and Hor Kham Luang the hosting place.
Foreign ministry contacted the Office of HM’s Principal Private Secretary to allow those leaders to receive the royal audience with HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 17.
Chiang Mai is the place where People Power Party (PPP) has a strong political network and also the hometown of the ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
December 15-18 will be announced public holidays.
