Thailand, Brunei agree on visa exemption for diplomats, officials

BANGKOK, February 3 (TNA) - Thailand and Brunei have agreed on a waiver of visa for their diplomats and officials visiting the other country for a period of no more than 30 days. Government Spokesman Dr. Yongyuth Maiyalarp told a press conference on Tuesday that the Thai Cabinet, at its weekly meeting at Bangkok's Government House earlier in the day, approved the visa exemption agreement between Thai and Bruneian diplomats and officials. The spokesman said that the Cabinet also authorised Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimaprakorn, or his authorised representative, to sign the agreement with the Brunei side. According to the spokesman, the visa exemption pact is aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighbouring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and at facilitating travles or transits of their diplomats and officials during the agreed period. The spokesman noted, however, that both sides can reserve to deny entry or shorten the length of any stay of their diplomats or officials for peace keeping, morality and health reasons. (TNA)