Bangkok: Stepping up their co-operation in fighting international terrorism, India and Thailand on January 31 decided to set up a committee to share information about terrorists and also agreed to join hands in economic and security matters.

Thailand and India have agreed to establish a committee to exchange information about terrorists and would co-operate in fighting international terrorism, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said after a breakfast meeting with visiting Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani.

The two countries would also co-operate in economic and security matters, Thaksin said without elaborating.

During the wide-ranging discussions, Advani is understood to have raised the issue of cross-border terrorism being faced by India.

He also impressed upon the need for bilateral co-operation on providing mutual legal assistance and having extradition treaty in the shortest possible time.

The fear of insurgent group leaders from India, especially from the North East, taking refuge in Thailand as well as drug smuggling make it imperative that the two countries sign these accords, official sources said.

Advani, who is on a three-day visit to Thailand before flying to Singapore, also held talks with his Thai counterpart Wissanu Krea-Ngam, Justice Minister Purachai Piumsombun and Interior Minister Wan Muhammad Noor Matha to stress these issues.

Parallel to Advani's parleys, officials from the two sides also held detailed discussions on security and other matters.

Discussions were also held on bilateral co-operation in areas of trade, industry, Information Technology, science and technology and tourism, the sources said, adding there are at least 26 joint ventures functioning in the two countries.

The inflow of Indian tourists also has made rapid strides in the past few years.

Advani's visit, the sources said, was intended to continue the fruitful bilateral relations at the highest levels of government. During the day, the Deputy Premier also visited the 'ancient city' of Muang Boran on the outskirts of Bangkok and the Samutprakarn crocodile farm, which is considered the world's largest.

The 'ancient city' replicates the 2,000-year history of Thailand, its culture and religion, and is situated on the ruins of historic temples.

Commenting on the concept of the ancient city, Advani told reporters that he had suggested building of a similar park in India where the entire nation and its historical places could be replicated. It can be a major spot of tourist attraction, he added.

PTI