Pattaya: UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Saturday expressed regret over the shock cancellation of an Asian summit after thousands of protesters stormed the venue in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was forced to cancel the meeting of leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

"I deeply regret the postponement of the Asean and related summits and the consequent postponement of my attendance to the events," Ban said in a statement from Laos.
"I hope for an early restoration of normalcy in Thailand and for the settlement of differences through dialogue and peaceful means," said Ban.