Asean to discuss terrorist issue after Jakarta bombs

"We would issue a condemnation to the violence which killed innocent people. We try to make people in different faith, cultures and civilizations to live together in peace," Kasit told reporters upon arrival in Phuket where the foreign ministers and dialogue partner would meet this week.

The Asean foreign ministers are considering drafted statement on the matter, he said.

At least nine people, including suspected suicide bombers, died and some 50 other people injured in bombs at the J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta on Friday.

The ministers of 26 countries plus an international organization at the Asean Regional Forum would also discuss the violence and terrorist issue on Thursday, Kasit said but declined to give more detail whether the forum would recommend any concrete measures against the terrorist.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is on her way to the Phuket meeting. She asked for global cooperation to fight against the terrorist while visit India. Clinton would meet with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday before heading to Phuket for the Asean meeting.

Security in the resort island of Phuket is very tight during the Asean meeting. There was no report of terrorist movement in Phuket but the security measures mostly aimed to prevent protest by pro-former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra groups.

More than 10,000 troops presented in town. The military set up many checkpoints around meeting venues and screened all vehicles traveling in the island.