BANGKOK -- The recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bang kok could, in an oversimplified manner, be summarized as an event in which economic issues were overshadowed by a strong security agenda. Moreover, the whole exercise was partly sidelined by the spectacular arrangements on the Thai side. But is there no more to be said about the meeting?
First of all, the Thais deserve the high praise they received from all quarters for their meticulous protocol and security arrangements, their efficiency and their proverbial politeness and kindness.
Some observers were critical, of course, of the the capital's atmosphere, which was altered for the duration of the event, but in the end almost everyone agreed that some sacrifices were justified by the importance of the gathering.