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)