THAILAND OPENS CONSULATE IN ZAGREB

( Editorial: --> 8129 ) ZAGREB, June 1 (Hina) - The opening of Thailand's consulate in Zagreb will deepen the good relations already existing between the two countries, Thai Ambassador to Croatia Pradap Pibulsonggram said in Zagreb Monday. Thailand and Croatia have very good relations, he said, emphasising his country was among the first who recognised Croatia in 1992. The Budapest-based Thai Embassy covered Croatia until now. The opening of a consulate in Croatia's capital will enable Croatian citizens to get a visa in their country, without having to travel to Austria, the Thai Ambassador said. He added that when he was received on Croatia's Statehood Day, May 30, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and Premier Zlatko Matesa, he conveyed the best wishes from the Thai king and government. According to Thai honorary consul in Croatia, Alojzije Pavlovic, it took four years to open the consulate in Zagreb. He hoped economic cooperation between the two countries would now become more intense. (hina) ha 011751 MET jun 98