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Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has decided that Chiang Mai would be a better location than Bangkok to host the upcoming Asean summit so that visiting dignitaries don't have to see the ugly face of Thai politics, go through roadblocks in front of Government House, or be bogged down by traffic jams. The government also fears that PAD demonstrators might want to disturb the summit, which is scheduled for December15-18. But if it really wants to, the PAD could cause disruptions even in Chiang Mai. In fact, no place in Thailand is immune to disturbances if the demonstrators decide to target the summit.

Apparently, the prime minister has paid great attention to the summit's venue. He knows full well that the northern provinces are People Power Party turf, and are a friendly ground for him, even though he is originally from the South. With the new venue decided, the next issue is even more important: the quality of leadership during the summit. These days, summit meetings have become the main policy-making processes. Pigeon-brained leaders can be manipulated and used by wiser leaders.

During the first Asean summit hosted by Thailand in 1995, former prime minister Banharn Silapa-archa, as the Asean chair, performed poorly. He did not do his homework and failed to read briefing and position papers. Furthermore, he did not understand the finesse and complexity of diplomatic practice and negotiation. As a result, several Thai initiatives were diluted or ignored.

Somchai has shown no sign of leadership quality either at home or on the foreign front. In fact, since he assumed the premiership in September, he has yet to inspire anyone or display any vision worthy of the country or the region; certainly not as the Asean chair. He remains an indecisive leader, waiting for clues to action and discourse. His ambivalence towards the October 7 violence is an indication of his emotional detachment.

During his visit to Beijing and the Asia-Europe Meeting, he did make comments on the situation in Burma - calling for assistance to help Burma with economic development. His views will certainly cheer up the evil generals in Rangoon. He deliberately turns a blind eye to the ongoing political oppression inside Burma.

The prime minister should be informed in the first place that Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 13 years. Instead of asking for her release and calling for dialogue for national reconciliation, he instead calls for support for the junta by appealing for more economic aid to help ease their difficult situation.

Somchai needs to show some courage and vision when assessing and commenting on the regional situation. He should not be afraid to talk about the situation inside Thailand. After all, a leader must be able to face reality. In the days and weeks to come, he needs to make comments that make sense locally and regionally. For instance, Singapore, as the previous chair of Asean, did a good job in showing leadership and was able to highlight the cruelty of the Burmese troops who killed monks and civilians. In certain circumstances, a good leader must be able to call a spade a spade.

It is unfortunate that the present political situation has greatly affected Thailand, as the summit's host. Several dialogue countries earlier looked towards our leadership to elevate the group's standing and working ethics and to promote improved relations and cooperation with the grouping. It seems that now these goals have been lost because of the prevailing political uncertainty here and Somchai's complete lack of leadership.

The prime minister has to realise that the upcoming summit affects more than just Thailand, or Asean, but the whole region and beyond.