BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Former Thai prime minister recovering

The son of the former Thai prime minister, Chatichai Choonhavan, say his father is recovering in hospital in London from surgery for a serious liver complaint.

Earlier reports had said Mr Chatichai was suffering from intestinal cancer.

His son, Kraisak Choonhavan, said about twenty political associates of his father, who is seventy-six years old, are preparing to fly to Britain this week to monitor his progress.

Chatichai Choonhavan is the leader of the Chart Pattana party, the third largest in Thailand, and was prime minister from 1988 to 1991.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service