Thailand to send Muslim mission to Afghanistan

Originally published December 14, 2001

Thailand plans to send Muslim personnel in the Royal Thai Army to join in U.N. peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan, Thai news agency TNA reported, quoting a source in the Thai Supreme Command Headquarters.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was expected to raise the proposed issue when holding talks with U.S. President George Bush in Washington, said the source.

The Thai leader is paying an official visit to the Unites States, this December 13 through 20. "Premier Thaksin will offer to send about 100 Muslims medical staff and technicians in the Royal Thai army to participate in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan," disclosed the source.