U.S.-Thailand sign open-skies agreement

U.S.-Thailand sign open-skies agreement    The United States and Thailand this week formalized an agreement opening up take-off and landing rights for air express and cargo carriers operating between the two countries.
   The Open Skies agreement was signed Oct. 19 by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who was in Bangkok to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum along with President Bush.
   Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said the agreement will provide economic benefits to both countries.
   'Thailand will be able to export more because there will be no limitation on the frequency of flights coming into Thailand and going out of Thailand to the United States,' he said, according to a State Department transcript. Through inter-modal connections, the 'transport of the air cargo can also be linked to land transport in Thailand, which will give the United States access to other neighboring countries.'
   The deal eliminates restrictions on air routes and flight frequencies.