FOR the uninitiated or vaguely-knowledgeable in the geography of Asia, Thailand, also officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, is located at the centre of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.

A constitutional monarchy, Thailand is the world's 51st largest country in terms of total area and the world's 20th most populous nation. It would also be interesting to note that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European power.

No wonder the Thai use the phrase 'Land of the Free' to express their pride in that fact. Tanzania has since Tuesday played host to a high-powered Thai delegation, headed by the Kingdom's Prime Minister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, who at 46 is one of the world's youngest heads of government.

We will deal with the age factor below! Ms Shinawatra and her host, President Jakaya Kikwete, held talks soon after her arrival that centred on the promotion and strengthening of trade, investments and bilateral ties between the two countries.

There are several good reasons behind Ms Shinawatra's visit, given the mutual cooperation between the two countries that had extended over the years. There h

as been and continues to be satisfactory trade and other relations between Dar es Salaam and Bangkok. To illustrate the level of trade between the two countries, departmental stores or supermarkets, shops and even street vendors spot all sorts of 'Made in Thailand' goods, including children, men and women's wear, cosmetics, sports items and foodstuffs.

Does 'mchele wa Thailand' ring a bell? There are many avenues of development that Tanzania can learn from the Southeast Asia nation. Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1996 and is presently a newlyindustrialised country and major exporter.

DQ Tourism also contributes significantly to the Thai economy. There are approximately 2.2 million migrants in Thailand (some of them illegal!) and the country has also attracted a number of expatriates from developed countries.

It is gratifying to note that on Day One of Ms Shinawatra's visit, four cooperation agreements were signed, centering on investments, cooperation in enforcement of penal sentence and an MoU on technical cooperation.

On a more personal note, Ms Shinawatra, exuding charm, youth and beauty, would surely be an inspiration to the young generation in the country, especially women, to climb up the success ladder with more zeal, confidence and clarity of purpose.