AGONG GRANTS AUDIENCE TO THAI PM

From Suriati Sidek Ahmad

BANGKOK, March 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who
began a four-day visit to Thailand Monday, granted an audience Tuesday to Thai
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Parliament Speaker Chai Chidchob and President
of the Supreme Court of Thailand Wirat Limwichai.

The three Thai dignitaries called on Tuanku Mizan separately, starting with
Abhisit at 9.30am (Thai time) at the Chao Phraya Room of the Mandarin Oriental
Hotel here.

Malaysian Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamed, who is the
minister-in-attendance, told Malaysian journalists afterwards that the
discussions touched on the situation in southern Thailand and economic
cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia.

Mohd Zin, who was present at the audience, said Abhisit thanked the
Malaysian government for the cooperation extended to create a better atmosphere
in southern Thailand.

He said Tuanku Mizan also touched on cooperation to develop the area,
especially in promoting tourism between the two countries.

"This is one area of cooperation which should be empowered in view of the
challenging world economic situation. Cooperation and mutual assistance should
be strengthened," he said.

After the audience, Tuanku Mizan and his consort Tuanku Nur Zahirah, visited
the Royal Chitralada Project in Chitralada Villa located within the Dusit Palace
where there are rice fields, a dairy farm, a fish pond and dozens of factories
offering jobs to the poor.

The royal couple spent about 30 minutes touring the project area, which is
just a 10-minute walk from the official residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and
Queen Sirikit. They were briefed by project officer Foyfa Shutidamrong.

Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah then visited the Experimental Fuel
Production Unit, which produces ethyl-alcohol, gasohol and biodiesel, and the
Milk Collection Centre, which produces milk by-products.
-- BERNAMA