Clinton in Bangkok to boost ties

Clinton in Bangkok to boost ties

BANGKOK (Reuter): U.S. President Bill Clinton's brief visit to Bangkok this week is seen as an opportunity for him to show America's interest in Asia and help boost trade in Thailand, Thai and U.S. diplomats said.

Clinton is due to arrive in Bangkok tonight for a 27-hour stay -- the first presidential visit to Thailand in 27 years.

"The basic purpose for this state visit, which is to honor the 50th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol (Adulyadej's) accession to the throne, is just to renew an old friendship and visit an ally in the region," a U.S. diplomat said.

Clinton's trip to Bangkok is the last leg of his first overseas trip since being re-elected earlier this month. The 12- day tour took him on a working holiday to Australia, then to the Philippines for meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.