Chiang Mai (Thailand): Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived in Chiang Mai on October 11 on a two-day visit from Bangkok and will meet his Thai counterpart Thaksin Shinawatara at his residence.

Vajpayee was accorded a red-carpet welcome at the airport as Thai dancers gave a performance in his honour.

Chiang Mai is the hometown of Shinawatara. The Thai PM had flown in a separate aircraft in advance to receive Vajpayee.

The Prime Minister will visit Shinawatara at his residence and will have a private dinner with him.

Before leaving for this city, Vajpayee visited the famous emerald Buddhist temple in Bangkok.

Vajpayee is scheduled to return home on October 12 after a week-long visit to Indonesia where he attended the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Summit and Thailand.

PTI