Thais in plea to IMF

Talks about possible changes to the financial rescue plan for Thailand are to take place shortly in Washington.

The Thai finance minister, Tarrin Nimanahaeminda, who's arriving there is to meet officials of both the International Monetary Fund and the United States government.

Mr Tarrin has said he is not seeking a full review of the plan the IMF drew up to revive the Thai economy but he wants it modified to meet changed conditions.

The IMF had assumed that the Thai economy would continue to grow but instead it is contracting.

The BBC correspondent in Bangkok says the Thai business community feels the IMF medicine - in particular high lending rates to reduce inflation - is too severe.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service