The Thai PM is calling on the general public to help the government be “good hosts” during this week’s APEC Summit in Bangkok. Prayut Chan-o-cha Prayut Chan-o-cha was addressing the media when he expressed his confidence in the readiness of officials to host the event. However, he also called for cooperation from the Thai public in order to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“This is an event of national importance.”
The PM was speaking after returning from the ASEAN Summit in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Asked about the event, he said it enabled ASEAN nations to discuss various issues, including agriculture and geo-political conflicts. Speaking about Myanmar, he said Thailand continued to offer humanitarian assistance to Burmese refugees fleeing the conflict.
The government have also spent up big in purchasing hundreds of high profile billboards around the capital, including on the road leading into and out of Suvarnabhumi airport, telling everyone how “excited” Thais are about hosting APEC, despite several polls indicating the vast majority of Thais either don’t care about APEC or know noting about it.
According to a Thai PBS World report, the PM went on to praise Thailand’s past record of hosting international conferences, as he issued assurances that officials will not infringe on people’s rights in the name of security during the APEC Summit.
He was responding to criticism of anti-government and human rights groups, who have previously accused government security officials of using intimidation tactics to prevent protests being held during the summit.
Foreign delegates are expected to begin arriving in Bangkok on Wednesday, with the PM expected to attend a rehearsal of the formal opening of the summit.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
