300 welcome Chinese leader

AIRPORT: Some 300 people were on hand today to welcome the Chairman of China’s National Assembly, Li Peng, when he arrived at Phuket International Airport as part of an official visit to Thailand. The greeting party included Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi, members of the Chinese community in Phuket and students waving Chinese flags as Mr Li stepped from his plane on the apron at Phuket International Airport. As a guest of the Thai Government, Mr Li and his party will stay at the Sheraton Grande Laguna. Phuket Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi and Chinese clubs from 14 southern provinces will host a dinner for the group at Phuket FantaSea on Friday. Maj Gen Manukrit Roopkajorn, Leader of the Senate, will host the group for lunch on Saturday at the Sheraton Grande Laguna, while Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh will host dinner that night. Mr Li will leave Phuket for Indonesia on Sunday afternoon.