Thai PM arrives in Cambodia on official visit

Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont arrived in Phnom Penh Sunday on the second leg of his weekend tour, which is widely believed to beef up ties with Thailand's neighboring countries and reassure them that his one- year term will be stable.

During his one-day official visit, the former army commander is expected to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Acting Head of State and Senate President Chea Sim.

"The purpose of his visit is to improve understanding on (his) government role and function for his one-year term and strengthen ties with the neighboring countries," Thailand government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp told reporters earlier this week in Bangkok.

"He will reassure his counterparts that there will be no major policy changes under the new government," he added.

Chulanont visited Laos on Saturday to meet its leaders.

This is Chulanont's first trip abroad since he was sworn in as Thailand's new prime minister on Oct. 1, replacing Thaksin Shinawatra who was overthrown in a bloodless coup on Sept. 19.

Source: Xinhua