MOSCOW - Thailand has assured Russia about the safety of its tourists, whose numbers have been rising rapidly.
Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, second left, meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday. (AP Photo)
The issue was raised is a meeting of the Thai-Russian Joint Commission, during the three-day visit to Russia by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, which ended on Friday.
Mr Surapong told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Russian tourists would be assured of safety during their visits to Thailand.
About 1.3 million Russian tourists visited Thailand last year, a 25% jump from the previous year, according to the Tourism Department. More Russians came to Thailand than tourists from any other European country.
The two countries also held talks on possible cooperation on energy and agriculture.
"We want G-to-G [government to government] trade between energy and farm products," Mr Surapong said.
The minister said Thailand would invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the country later this year.