Thailand accepts 'Newsweek' apology

Thailand accepts 'Newsweek' apology

BANGKOK (AP): The Thai government says that representatives of Newsweek magazine have apologized for any hurt feelings caused by a story suggesting the country was good for little but sex and golf, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The article has irked government officials, including Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, who said on Monday that Newsweek should change its name to "Newsweak".

Don Pramudwinai, the ministry spokesman, said on Tuesday that he had met one of the writers and the magazine's representative in Thailand, Ron Moreau, separately over the weekend to clear up misunderstandings.

Don said that expressions of regret and apologies for hurt feelings were offered, though apparently not for the story itself.

The writer, Paul Handley, has declined to comment. Moreau was unavailable.