THREE ASEAN SUMMITS IN 2009 BY D. ARUL RAJOO

HUA HIN, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- It would be a busy year for Asean leaders as the 10-member regional grouping will hold three summits this year, including two in a space of less than two months.

Thai Fopreign Minister Kasit Piromya said the delayed Asean+3 (China, Japan
and South Korea) and Asean+6 Summits (Asean+3 and Australia, New Zealand and
India), which includes the East Asian Summit, would be held from April 10 to 12.

"We have not decided on the venue yet. The Thai Government will have
consultation before proposing a venue to the Asean Secretariat," he told a
press conference after chairing a meeting of Asean Foreign Ministers on the eve
of the 14th Asean Summit here.

The Asean+3 and Asean+6 Summits were supposed to be held together with the
current Summit here but were left out as Chinese leaders are busy with their
national convention.

The 14th Summit and other related meetings were originally slated to be held
in December last year, but was postponed due to the domestic political crisis
faced by the Thai Government.

Bangkok and then Chiang Mai were the original location for the Summit, but
was later moved to Hua Hin to avoid anti-government protests in the two cities.

Thailand will also hold the 15th Asean Summit this year, most probably in
October.

-- BERNAMA