This time for sure

The Government of Thailand has had its share of embarrassment over the massive demonstrations that endangered the last ASEAN meeting. Historically, Thai leaders don't take to being embarrassed very well. Case in point:

With just two weeks to go before the East Asia Summit is to be held on Phuket Island, the country's defence minister has issued a statement:

"I will do whatever it takes to stop these demonstrations from happening..."

Here's hoping the presence of 10,000 security personnel and an outpouring of good sense on the part of all factions makes that a peaceful and simple job.