Indian PM in Thailand to strengthen bilateral ties

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has arrived for an official visit to Thailand as he looks to strengthen bilateral ties and connect with the Southeast Asia region, AP reported. After arriving Thursday, Singh was scheduled meet with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss a framework for a free trade agreement and talk about cooperation in various fields, including investment and tourism. Singh was also scheduled to meet with King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Bangkok hospital where the 85-year-old monarch has been staying since being admitted with a lung inflammation in 2009. Singh's one-day trip to Thailand follows several high-level visits by both governments in recent years, as India seeks to strengthen ties with the Southeast Asia region.