Tran Duc Luong arrives in Thailand

Tran Duc Luong arrives in Thailand

BANGKOK (AFP): Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong arrived
here on Tuesday on the first visit to Thailand by a Vietnamese
head of state since the two countries established diplomatic
relations more than 20 years ago.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej welcomed Luong and his delegation of
more than 60 officials and businesspeople, while women in
traditional dress threw flowers as they walked down the red
carpet at Bangkok's main military airport.

Luong will meet Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai and business
leaders during his three-day stay.

Roads to the airport were lined with the distinctive yellow
star flags of Vietnam and hundreds of soldiers and officials
gathered to greet Luong and witness his historic arrival.

Two guards collapsed in the searing heat as they waited on the
tarmac for the president to arrive.