Moscow, Bangkok Argue On Extraditing Viktor Bout

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is trying to repair damaged relations with the Kremlin after Moscow's foreign minister condemned a decision to extradite a suspected Russian weapons smuggler, Viktor Bout, from Bangkok to New York. Russia has emerged in recent years as a growing business partner by attempting to sell warplanes, helicopters, petroleum and other strategic items to Thailand, and sending thousands of Russian tourists to Thailand's tropical beaches.

By Richard S. Ehrlich

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is trying to repair damaged relations with the Kremlin after Moscow's foreign minister condemned a decision to extradite a suspected Russian weapons smuggler, Viktor Bout, from Bangkok to New York.

The U.S. is a much bigger player in Thailand's military, political and commercial circles, having provided training to its armed forces since the 1960s, supported its previous dictators and democratically elected governments, plus offering large-scale investment including a healthy flow of imports and exports.

Russia has emerged in recent years as a growing business partner by attempting to sell warplanes, helicopters, petroleum and other strategic items to Thailand, and sending thousands of Russian tourists to Thailand's tropical beaches.

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