His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night granted an audience to Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, at Istana Nurul Iman. It was Yingluck's first visit to the Sultanate since she was elected as the new Thai Prime Minister in August.

Also present at the audience ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The Thai Prime Minister's delegation included Dr Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Apichart Phetcharatana, Ambassador-designate to Brunei Darussalam, and other senior officials.

After the audience ceremony, His Majesty had a four-eye meeting with Yingluck.

After the meeting, His Majesty later consented to welcome the Thai Prime Minister to an official dinner at Baitul Rahmah, Istana Nurul Iman. The dinner was also attended by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival at Brunei International Airport early last night, Yingluck and her delegation were welcomed by HRH Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim. Also present was Brunei's Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, in his capacity as Minister in Attendance.

After the national anthems of both nations were played, the Thai Prime Minister was introduced to Brunei's Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Commissioner of Police, Asean envoys in Brunei, as well as Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

The Thai Prime Minister left the Sultanate late last night after the brief visit. - Borneo Bulletin (10th September 2011)