BANGKOK, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has issued a warning to anyone planning protests during October's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok.
The Bangkok Post reported Shinawatra warned Thursday that anyone involved in protest rallies will find it difficult to obtain subsequent government assistance.
Shinawatra said Bangkok is hosting this month's summit "for the good of the nation, and no one should attempt to ruin it by creating a public disturbance." He said any protesters will be the last to receive government help.
The Post said he also warned that non-government organizations planning protests during the Oct. 17-21 summit would be blacklisted and should be prepared to endure "long and painful consequences."
Campaign for Democracy Secretary General Suriyasai Katasila told the newspaper the prime minister's stance would motivate, rather than deter, protesters.
