The visits reflect the improved relations between the two neighbours, a contrast from the recent past, when leaders clashed verbally over perceived Malaysian support for Muslim insurgents in Thailand's south.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said: 'Three visits by our Prime Minister to one country in a month is not normal... never before has a prime minister visited a foreign country three times in a row.

'This is special and shows the close ties and cooperation between the two neighbours.'

Mr Tharit said the first visit will take place on Langkawi Island, where General Surayud will participate in the Eighth Langkawi International Dialogue.

Malaysia has invited 42 heads of state and government for the Langkawi meeting on Aug 5 to 8, an event where Third World leaders exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

Those invited include six Asean member states, seven Asian countries and 21 African nations.

Gen Surayud, who last visited Malaysia last October - weeks after assuming the post following the September coup that ousted then premier Thaksin Shinawatra - will then attend the annual consultation with his counterpart.

The meeting with Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi is scheduled to be held in Penang between Aug 21 and 23.

Gen Surayud said last week that Thailand hoped arrangements for peace talks on the southern Muslim insurgency could be finalised after he meets Datuk Seri Abdullah.

Yesterday, he ruled out the establishment of a special administrative zone for the three southern provinces.

All parts of Thailand must be under the same law, he was quoted as saying by the Thai News Agency.

For his third Malaysian visit, Gen Surayud will attend Malaysia's 50th Independence Day celebrations on Aug 31 in Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Tharit said the close relationship between the neighbours was evident in the joint efforts taken by both countries to solve the southern Thai conflict.

It could also be seen on other development projects initiated through the Joint Commission Meeting that last met in Bangkok last month.

Mr Tharit said diplomatic ties were on a stronger platform now and would be commemorated with the 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. He did not give a date.

Several programmes had been lined up by both countries, including the publication of a book entitled Rajaphruek And Bunga Raya: Fifty Years Of Everlasting Friendship Between Thailand and Malaysia 1957-2007.

BERNAMA

UNPRECEDENTED MOVE

'Three visits by our Prime Minister to one country in a month is not normal...never before has a prime minister visited a foreign country three times in a row. This is special and shows the close ties and cooperation between the two neighbours.'
THAI FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN THARIT CHARUNGVAT