Thai premier visits L.A.

Thai premier visits L.A.

LOS ANGELES, California (AP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai arrived in Los Angeles a day after U.S. officials announced a US$1.7 billion aid package for Thailand to help the country recover from its financial crisis.

Chuan briefly greeted Thai consulate officials after his plane landed Saturday at Los Angeles International Airport before he entered a limousine waiting on the tarmac and was whisked away.

While in Los Angeles, Chuan planned to attend religious ceremonies at a Buddhist temple and visit the new J. Paul Getty Center. He also intended to attempt to persuade the large local Thai community to purchase Thailand bonds, which would strengthen the country's finances.

"We want to do whatever we can to be a good friend and a good partner," President Bill Clinton said at the outset of a White House meeting held with Chuan last Friday. Thailand is the oldest U.S. ally in Southeast Asia.