Cohen in Bangkok talks on fighter plane costs

The United States Defence Secretary, William Cohen, is in Bangkok, discussing ways of helping Thailand pay for eight American F/A-18 Hornet jet fighters it's buying from the Boeing company.

Thailand says its economic crisis means the four-hundred-million dollar cost of the plane has effectively doubled as the Thai baht lost value against the dollar.

It's seeking a three-year delay in payments.

Correspondents say the United States is concerned that the economic turmoil in Asia may reduce the defence capabilities of its allies.

Several other countries have indicated they will also have to delay arms purchases.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service