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If everything proceeds as planned, Thailand will be the eighth member to ratify the Asean Charter. This is a crucial step in persuading other member countries that Thailand can carry out its duties as Asean chair effectively. Political uncertainty in Thailand has bewildered them, as well as Asean's dialogue partners. Now lawmakers in Indonesia and the Philippines have to accelerate their ratification of the charter. Surin said both countries were expected to ratify it by month's end. Asean leaders have set the upcoming summit in December as the deadline. The charter will become effective only when all 10 members have signed it.

In coming months, Thailand will host more than a dozen summit meetings with leaders from Asean, China, Japan and Korea, as well as dialogue partners. These leaders have closely monitored the political situation over here because whatever transpires will affect their plans. Certainly, political stability is a prerequisite for their full participation. After all, they must feel safe and have confidence in Thailand 's chairmanship before they visit.