December 26, 2008
Bangkok - The ASEAN Summit is set to officially take place on February 13-15 in Bangkok, according to the foreign ministry.
The foreign ministry earlier mentioned the dates of February 24-26 for the 14th summit.
However, the plan was changed since it was not convenient for some member nations and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva wanted to make it earlier, according to AFP.
"The new summit dates are February 13-15," Boonchong Wongtrairat, deputy interior minister told reporters, adding that the exact location in Bangkok has not yet been finalized.
"The government wants (the summit to take place at) Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, but it is already booked, so we will have to negotiate," he said.
The meeting was postponed from mid-December because of political turmoil.
PM Abhisit hopes the summit will help boost Thailand’s image and economy, especially when the world’s economy slows down.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Representatives of Japan, South Korea, China, India, as well as the United Nations secretary general, are expected to attend the 14th ASEAN summit.
