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Sympathy, dismay in Thailand

PATTAYA (Thailand): Asian leaders reacted with sympathy and dismay to the cancellation of a regional summit in Thailand — and with a degree of relief over escaping safely after anti-government protesters smashed into the venue.

Leaders attending the East Asia Summit were evacuated by helicopter from the seaside city of Pattaya to a nearby military airport, while some delegates were whisked away on navy boats.

“What can we say?” said Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Rafael Seguis. “It had to be postponed because it was no longer comfortable and convenient for the heads of state to be meeting because of the chaos.”

More than 1,000 anti-government protesters stormed the convention center where leaders of Asian nations were to meet later in the day.

“I think they were just really after the Thai Prime Minister,” Philippine Press Secretary Cerge Remonde told ABS-CBN television in Manila after being airlifted by helicopter. “I didn’t really feel threatened.”

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso called the cancellation “unfortunate” but an “inevitable result despite maximum efforts by the Thai government,” said a spokesman. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd never made it out of his airplane, which was only two hours into the seven-hour flight when the decision was made to turn around and return home, Australian media reported, citing officials.

The protests were the latest episode in Thailand’s protracted political turmoil, which has gripped the country with anti-government street demonstrations and sporadic chaos for three years.

Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said he hoped the summit could be rescheduled within the next few months — but some leaders expressed scepticism.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said it was doubtful that Thailand would be able to host a rescheduled Asia summit anytime soon.

“You have to question now whether that can go ahead because of the events over the past couple of days,” said Mr. Key. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who was scheduled to attend the summit on Sunday, expressed “deep regret” over the cancellation and called for calm.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said China understood the decision to postpone the summit and hoped Thailand can maintain political stability, social harmony and economic growth, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. — AP

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