Thai PM Chuan Leekpai to visit Indonesia

Thai PM Chuan Leekpai to visit Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai will pay a
one-day working visit to Indonesia on Monday, a Palace official
said yesterday.

The official cited the purpose of the visit as the
continuation of a long tradition among members of the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) where a new head of government
visits other ASEAN capitals to introduce her/himself to the other
leaders.

"The prime minister wants to introduce himself to President
Soeharto, although this is his second time to be the Thai
leader," said the Palace official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity.

Chuan was elected prime minister in November last year. He
governed Thailand the first time from 1992 to 1995.

Reuters reported that Chuan's visit was aimed at giving moral
support to Soeharto.

"The trip is merely to give moral support to President
Soeharto since Indonesia and Thailand are facing similar
problems," Chuan was quoted by the news agency as saying.

Thailand and Indonesia are facing a severe economic crisis and
both turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year
for rescue packages.

The IMF organized a US$17.2 billion package for Thailand,
while Indonesia received $43 billion in aid. (prb)