BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has arrived in Bangkok to begin his two-day official visit to the Thai capital.
Dr Mahathir, marking his first official visit to the kingdom since becoming prime minister for the second time, arrived via a special aircraft at the Military Air Terminal 2, Wing 6 of the Don Mueang International Airport around 11. 30am.
He was greeted upon arrival by Deputy Thai Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who represented the Thai government.
On hand to receive him from the Malaysian side were Malaysian ambassador to Thailand Datuk Jojie Samuel; Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah; and Brigadier General Baharuddin Ahmad, who is the embassy's defence attache.
With Dr Mahathir were his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali; International Trade and Industry Datuk Darell Leiking; Tan Sri Rahim Mohd Noor, who is the facilitator for the Southern Thailand Peace Process talks, as well as senior government officers.
Dr Mahathir's last visit to Bangkok as prime minister was in 2003.
Dr Mahathir has a slew of activities lined up for the first day of his visit, beginning with a series of interviews with foreign media representatives, first with Thai TV3 followed by Japan's Asahi Shimbun.
An official welcoming ceremony awaits Dr Mahathir at the Government House, where he and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will inspect a guard of honour.
Dr Mahathir and Prayut will then adjourn for a restricted meeting, followed by a bilateral meeting involving the Malaysian and Thai delegations.
Among the issues expected to be discussed include trade, economy, security as well as matters related to Asean.
The two premiers are also expected to touch on the status and progress of the southern Thailand peace talks, of which Malaysia is the facilitator.
Both leaders will hold a joint press conference after the meetings.
In the evening, Dr Mahathir, his wife and the Malaysian delegation will attend an official dinner at the Government House, hosted by Prayut and his wife, Naraporn Chan-o-cha.
