Thailand and India seek closer links

Thailand's Foreign minister, Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, is expected in Delhi on Thursday for talks with Indian officials on bilateral security and economic matters.

India wants to improve co-operation with Bangkok on a range of issues. They include intelligence-sharing, measures to counter cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling and money laundering.

For Thailand, Dr Surakiart's visit will be an opportunity to press for stronger economic ties and greater co-operation in agriculture.

A BBC correspondent in Bangkok says Thailand sees India as its key strategic partner in South Asia, and hopes Delhi will use Bangkok as its main gateway to South East Asia.