The rise in the number of visitors to the country was attributed to its traffic safety and simplified customs procedures.

In September 2004, Vietnam and Thailand reached an agreement to allow

caravans to enter each other's territories.

Both left-hand- and right-hand-drive caravans meeting the common standards of both countries are allowed to carry tourists on sightseeing tours in seven provinces of each country.

Stamps : Thailand Post delays commemorative set

Thailand Post Co Ltd has cancelled its planned stamp set commemorating His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary on the throne.

However, 1.5 million special sets will be sold on December 5. Collectors can book 45 days in advance.

Early next year, Thailand Post will launch a 2006 commemorative set, details of which will be provided later.

Logistics fair : Asia region experts to conduct workshops

The Export Promotion Department has arranged logistics workshops at the Thailand Logistics Fair 2006 that will be led by experts from the Hong Kong Shippers' Council, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd and the Dubai International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations.

The event is scheduled for July 13-15 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Department director-general Chantra Purnariksha said world-renowned logistics specialists would conduct the workshops.

The department will also host a session for executives at export and international trading companies about the impact of cultural attitudes on trade negotiations.

Paichit Vibulthanasarn, director of a special task force, said cultural studies were vital to international trade.

Executives in some countries, such as the United States, put less emphasis

on personal relationships in their business dealings than executives in Asian

companies, he said.