Thaksin said before boarding his plane that talks with Burma's leaders would cover "all areas." He said the surprise trip was arranged "because the leaders of both sides want to meet."

The premier was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, Army Commander in Chief Gen Sondhi Boonyaratkalin.

Thaksin flew directly to Burma's new administrative capital, Naypyidaw, north of former capital Rangoon.

Officials in both countries said they were informed of the trip only hours before Thaksin's departure _ a rarity for Burma, where visits by heads of government are generally planned months in advance.

An informed source said Thaksin will meet senior Burma officials during the visit and will have dinner with them before returning to Bangkok in the evening.

Thaksin's last visited to Burma in December 2004.

His visit came days after Asean countries, including Thailand, issued statement demanding Burma to persue political reform. However Asean statement failed to mention about Aung San Suu Kyi who has been in detention for years.

Thai Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai who is contesting for UN top post said earlier in the sideline of Asean meeting in Kuala Lumpur last week that he will take up Burma issues if he is elected.

The Nation