Thai PM arrives today

MANILA, Philippines – Thailand’s Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will arrive in Manila today for a two-day official visit.

Samak will meet with President Arroyo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo in Malacañang tomorrow.

Mrs. Arroyo, along with other government officials, is expected to discuss with the prime minister the rising food prices, rice shortage and further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Samak’s visit is part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) tradition of introductory visits to the region.

Samak assumed the post of Thailand’s 25th premier last January. He has been the leader of the People’s Power Party since August 2007.

After his visit to Manila, Samak will fly to Brunei, another ASEAN member.

Samak’s official trip to the Philippines was supposed to take place last month but had to be rescheduled after he came down with the flu in Laos.

The Philippines will be the eighth Southeast Asian nation Samak has visited since taking office after winning the elections last December   – Pia Lee-Brago, Marvin Sy