BETTER SHIPMENT ROUTES POTENTIAL AND A GOOD LIFE FOR THAI SPA THERAPISTS AS FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS SLOVENIA.

BANGKOK -- The following information was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand:

During the first day of his official visit to Slovenia on 31 January 2001, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Mr. Gregor Veselko, President of the Board of management of Koper Port, discussed the possibility that Thailand and Slovenia might further cooperate on logistics by maximising Koper Port's potential to offer a shorter shipment route for the distribution of goods from Thailand to the Balkans as well as to Eastern Europe.

In addition, Koper Port could serve as an example of best practice for Thailand as it places environmental management as a top priority, reflected in the efficient system of water and waste management, as well as the construction of dust protection fences to protect the surrounding community. As a basis for future cooperation, Koper Port and the Port Authority of Thailand are currently considering the signing of a Friendship Agreement.

In the afternoon, Foreign Minister Kasit traveled to Portoroz, a popular tourist city in Slovenia, where he met a group of Thai spa therapists working in Wai Thai Centre, Riviera Hotel. The spa therapists told the Foreign Minister that they were satisfied with the Centre's working conditions and through the Internet, were also able to closely follow currents events in Thailand. Foreign Minister Kasit reminded the spa therapists that apart from the mobile consular services regularly organised by the Thai Embassy in Vienna, Thai nationals in Slovenia might also seek assistance from the Embassy in the event of any difficulties. Foreign Minister Kasit also took this opportunity to provide a gift kit containing dry food and Thai food ingredients to the Thai group.