No activities planned by exile groups during ASEAN Summit

_{Thai-Burma Relations
By Hseng Khio Fah}

_{24 November 2008}

The leader of the SSA Col Yawd Serk said that officials coming to the Summit have nothing to worry for their security. “We are not planning any activities that may damage the reputation of the kingdom and the Thai people. Whatever we do, we always think of our host country,” Col Yawd Serk told SHAN.

The Women’s League of Burma (WLB) also told SHAN that the group was not planning any activities and any campaigns during the summit, according to Nang Yen, General Secretary of WLB.

On the other hand, the Thai authorities are also requesting cooperation from the local people and organizations for the participants’ security.

The authorities have requested them not to engage on any special activities during the Summit. However, if there is going to be a protest, to inform them [authorities] in advance, according to the source.

 “It doesn’t mean that we are going to stop them or make arrests. It is just to provide security for the group concerned.”

This year’s summit was initially planned to be held at Bangkok. However, following the bloody clashes there with the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protestors, Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawad announced that the venue would be moved to the northern capital.