Thai PM begins

Thai PM begins
visit to Laos

BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa
yesterday led a 43-strong delegation on visits to neighboring
countries Laos and Cambodia, officials said.

The prime minister was paying a two-day visit to Laos focusing
on economic ties between two Southeast Asian countries including
sealing a deal to buy electricity from Laos.

It is his first trip to Laos since assuming office after last
July's general elections. Banharn has completed his
familiarization visit to fellow ASEAN member states early this
month. He will continue his trip to Cambodia today.

In Laos, five key ministers, including Foreign Minister Amnuay
Virawan and Communications Minister Wan-Muhamad-nor Mata, who
will oversee negotiations on construction of a highway linking
Thailand with its landlocked neighbor, Laos, and with Vietnam.