Somchai cancels Asean trip

Somchai was scheduled to visit Laos tomorrow, the first country that Thai leaders traditionally visit.

Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat was in Vientiane yesterday for his first official visit and to prepare for Somchai's arrival.

The prime minister had for weeks planned to visit Cambodia in a bid to mend sour relations resulting from border disputes over areas near Preah Vihear and other Hindu temples in Si Sa Ket and Surin provinces.

On Tuesday, at the height of the police crackdown on protesters in front of Parliament, Somchai held a meeting with top brass and other relevant officials about preparations for the Cambodian trip.

The prime minister also planned to visit Burma on Wednesday, Singapore next Friday and Indonesia on October 19.

The government did not give a clear explanation for Somchai's decision to postpone his foreign trip, but one official suggested the premier was not ready to answer questions from Asean colleagues about the domestic situation and violent crackdown. Two people died and more than 400 were injured in Tuesday's events, including more than a dozen riot police.

His Asean colleagues might also have asked about the Thai government's readiness to host the Asean summit to be held in Bangkok in midDecember, the official said.

While not explaining his decision to cancel his trip, Somchai did answer reporters' questions about whether he planned to dissolve Parliament or resign to end the political crisis, saying he would consider all opinions and demands.

"The country belongs to all of us, but let me see what I can do for the national interest," he said.