BANGKOK, April 28: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali began a three-day visit to Thailand on Wednesday aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation, including efforts to fight terrorism and increase trade, the Thai government said.

Mr Jamali is scheduled to hold talks with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday before witnessing the signing of a range of memorandums of understanding, the Thai foreign ministry said.

"A number of agreements will be signed during the visit, namely an MOU on scientific and technological cooperation, MOU on combating terrorism and certain other crimes and arrangements on consultation and cooperation," a ministry statement said.

The premier arrived with ministers for privatization, natural resources and information as well as prominent businessmen who plan to meet Thai business leaders during the visit.

Mr Jamali is scheduled to have an audience with Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday at his seaside palace south of Bangkok before returning to the capital for a banquet in his honour hosted by Mr Thaksin.

He is also scheduled to lay a corner stone for a new Pakistani embassy as well as meet members of the Pakistani community in Thailand before departing for Islamabad on Friday.

RECEPTION: A 19-gun salute boomed when Mr Jamali arrived in the Thai capital. Flags of Pakistan and Thailand fluttered atop the airport building as Mr Jamali was received by the deputy prime minister and was later driven to his hotel in a motorcade.