BANGKOK Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan left here Monday for Tehran to attend the 5th session of Iran-Thailand joint economic commission. Prior to his departure, he voiced his country's readiness to further expand ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Referring to the existing economic potentials in both countries, he expressed the hope that Tehran-Bangkok economic relations will further bolster in the future.

The experts session of the economic commission kicked off in Tehran Saturday. Pitsuwan, who is accompanied by a group of thai tradesmen, is due to meet senior Iranian officials including President Mohammad Khatami. (IRNA)