SINGAPORE -- Singapore has urged that a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), postponed until March because of unrest in host country Thailand, be held earlier.

"While Singapore understands why the summit has to be postponed, it should not be delayed more than absolutely necessary," a statement late Tuesday from Singapore's foreign affairs ministry said.

"With the global financial crisis affecting all countries in ASEAN, the summit should be rescheduled to the earliest possible date, preferably in January, rather than later in March."

The ministry said consideration should be given to holding the summit at the Jakarta-based Secretariat of the 10-member ASEAN.

Thailand holds the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN and was to host the group's summit from December 15-18.

The venue for the summit had already been moved from Bangkok to the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai because anti-government protesters were occupying the capital's two airports.

Thailand's constitutional court Tuesday dissolved the ruling party and barred Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from politics for five years.

Protesters said later they would lift the airport siege.