Protests, broken windows and dignitaries forced to flee by helicopter—Thailand’s last stint as host of Southeast Asia’s biggest summit was devoured by political chaos. But as the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) passed Thursday from Singapore to Thailand, Bangkok is hoping unrest will not spoil its year in the spotlight.

The annual ASEAN summit has become a major stop on the diplomatic circuit, even drawing leaders from the US, China, Japan and Russia.

Thailand’s chairmanship means ASEAN will be hosted by a military dictatorship the same year it plans to hold elections.

The kingdom is notorious for its fractious, disruptive and sometimes violent street politics.