Lavrov also expressed understanding of the need for the military intervention in Thailand, saying that otherwise things would have developed negatively, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said after a meeting with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the Apec meeting in Hanoi.

"We know very well what has occurred in Thailand. And we already also know that if there had not been intervention which was virtually a popular intervention, then things would have been difficult," he quoted Lavrov as saying:

Nitya said the 30-minute meeting covered several issues such as the possibility of cooperation in aerospace, trade and the setting-up of a Thai-Russian Business Council. Thailand is a popular destination for Russian tourists, with around 100,000 visiting each year. Bilateral trade meanwhile has reached about US$2 billion (Bt73 billion) a year.

Foreign ministers of the two countries are to meet in Bangkok next year. "More bilateral discussions should increase the volume of business activity," he said.

Nitya said the highlight of the meeting was Putin's invitation to Their Majesties for the 110th anniversary celebrations of King Rama V's visit to Russia.

Russia has also asked Thailand to support its bid to host the 2014 Olympic Games, he said.

Jeerawat Na Thalang

The Nation