Accompanied by the foreign minister and army commander, Mr Samak was to spend a day in the new capital of Naypyitaw and hold talks with Senior Gen. Than Shwe.

Government spokesman Wichianchote Sukchotrat said there was no fixed agenda for trip, calling it a courtesy visit by the new prime minister.

Thailand is eager to increase its economic interests in the military-ruled country despite sanctions by some Western countries which condemn Myanmar's human rights record. -- AP