Thailand's new prime minister will visit Malaysia soon as part of a planned series of visits to Southeast Asian countries, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said today.

Najib said he had not yet been in contact with Thailand's new government, but that arrangements were underway for Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who was appointed after a bloodless coup last month, to visit Malaysia.

"The prime minister of Thailand is likely to visit us," Najib told reporters. "I think they are working it out. It will be quite soon."

"He's the new prime minister, he wants to call on the prime ministers in the region," he added.

Malaysia shares a long northern border with Thailand's insurgency-torn and predominantly Muslim south, and people living on both sides of the border share close cultural and social ties.

Uneasy relationship

However, the two countries have an uneasy relationship and last year sparred over the fate of 131 Thai Muslims who fled from Thailand's south into northern Malaysia, where they are still sheltering.

Thai officials have also accused Malaysia of harbouring Muslim separatist groups, a charge Malaysia has vehemently denied.

Thai authorities last week said they wanted to hold peace talks with the insurgents. One of the rebel groups has reportedly suggested Malaysia host the meeting, but Najib said Malaysia had not yet received any request.

Malaysia already hosts talks between the Philippine government and Muslim separatists.