PM Bolger arrives for Thai visit

BANGKOK (Reuter): New Zealand Prime Minister James Bolger arrived in Thailand yesterday for a four-day visit which will include a trip to inspect agro-industrial facilities in the northeast.

Bolger arrived from Indonesia where he attended a summit of the 18-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. He was met by Thai deputy prime minister Sukavich Rangsitpol in a ceremony at the airport.

Today Bolger will travel to the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen and Sakhon Nakhon where he will visit a Thai-New Zealand joint venture agro-industrial plant.

Tomorrow he will have talks with Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who is due to return from APEC late yesterday. Bolger will have an audience with Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej later that day before leaving for home on Saturday.