Summit feast for troops and staff

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Soldiers, reporters and minor officials tucked into a gourmet feast prepared for the Asean summit in Thailand after leaders had to abandon the meeting.

The summit was cancelled and leaders were evacuated after demonstrators stormed the venue in Pattaya.

But their dinner had already been cooked and paid for - and plenty of people were prepared to enjoy it.

Waitresses served Thai delicacies to the group of troops, journalists and summit staff in a 700-seat ballroom.

"The hotel charged us. We have to pay anyway," Suhat Sungchaya, who helped organise the dinner for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the Associated Press news agency.

"So that is why we decided to invite the people behind the scenes."

The menu included catfish salad, lobster and shrimp satay, as well as red and white wine.

"I'm sorry for the leaders," ministry intern Suthanthip Sararith told AP. "Thailand is famous for its food."

"They can't eat all this great food. At least we get the chance to see how it tastes."