His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, welcomed Prime Minister Mr Samak Sundaravej of Thailand upon his arrival yesterday afternoon at the Brunei International Airport in Berakas.

Mr Samak Sundaravej later held a meeting with Mr Phithak Phrombubpha, the Ambassador of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam, and the Royal Thai Embassy staff at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Thailand handed directives and instructions to the embassy to further strengthen ties with Brunei. Also present were Mr Virapol Naparumpa, the Secretary General to the Prime Minister of Thailand, and Thai business delegates.

The Prime Minister of Thailand arrived yesterday for a two-day official visit to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.

Mr Samak Sundaravej will also be highlighting areas of economic potentials and increase of trade between the two countries during his visit.

Brunei and Thailand have long established close ties within Asean and the visit is to reaffirm that Thailand would assume Asean's Chairmanship this year. Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is also expected to officiate the Thai Fair 2008 at the Royal Thai Embassy today. - Borneo Bulletin (4th July 2008)