Internal Security Act lifted in Phuket as Asean talks end

By The Nation

Thai government on Friday lifted Internal Security Act in place in Phuket as Asean foreign ministers meeting with dialogue partners came to an end on Thursday, said Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

The government had imposed the Act on the island since July 10 in a move to prevent gathering of pro-Thaksin supporters, known as red shirts.

The red shirts disrupted Asean Summit in Pattaya in April by storming into a building adjacent to the meeting hall where leaders and delegates were meeting.

Prawit said the success of the Phuket meetings 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, he said.

When asked whether the government will apply the Phuket-model security plan to the upcoming AseanSummit 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, he added.

Source : nationmultimedia.com/2009/07/24