Asean Summit Opens at Cha-am

Leaders of 10 Asean countries attended the official opening of the 14th Asean summit on Saturday afternoon at the seaside resort of Cha-am, Phetchaburi province.

The  opening ceremony  began at 2.30pm, with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as chairman of Asean, promising that Asean is committed to building a regional environment of peace and prosperity, and to strengthening links with the rest of the world.

The people of Asean, he said, would benefit the most from the reinforcing of the Asean community.

"We are going to witness Asean moving towards our goal...It is not for the rich and the powerful, but for the people of our community.

"I'm honoured to be able to work with felllow Asean leaders to secure for our peoples and for future generations the blessings of enduring peace, stability and prosperity,'' Mr Abhisit said in his  speech.

The key feature of the Asean community was the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, he said.

 Mr Abhisit also addressed issues of economic development.

 "We need to accelerate the development of an attractive single market and production base that will help attract foreign trade and investment," he said

The opening ceremony marked the launch of the Asean anthem, entitled the Asean Way. The song was composed by Thai musicians.

Asean also launched its own cartoon character, which is an alien named Blue who has 10 friends -- one from each  Asean country.

Source - The Bangkok Post