Phuket too dangerous

"After consultation with security agencies, we have decided on Cha-am/Hua Hin," he said.

The summit of Asean leaders and their Asia-Pacific partners will be held on October 23-25, he said.

Thailand as the chair has circulated the decision to the other members for consideration, he said.

The government announced during the Asean Ministerial Meeting in Phuket in July that the next summit would be held in Phuket, but agencies suggested they could more conveniently provide security in Cha-am/Hua Hin.

The difficulty appears to be the resort island's vegetarian festival in October, Kasit said.

The safety of the leaders is a priority, he said.