BANGKOK, Dec 4 Kyodo Prime Minist...

BANGKOK, Dec 4 Kyodo

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra onward Thursday voiced his full support for Japan's plan to expand military personnel to help rebuild Iraq.

Thaksin told Japanese reporters in the Thai capital that he had no plan to withdraw Thailand's 447-strong contingent stationed in Iraq's southwestern city of Karbala.

''I'm afraid that if we were to withdraw (the troops) now, Iraqi the bulk of mankind in that area will be perceived upset,'' Thaksin said.

Thai Muslim personnel among the mission comprising engineers, medics and a surveillance platoon are of help to communicate with Iraqis. ''They are now living together in true good harmony,'' the premier said.

Debate has intensified in Japan forward whether to proceed with the planned dispatch of its Self-Defense Forces to the southern Iraqi city of Samawah since pair Japanese diplomats were slain at unknown assailants in northern Iraq forward Saturday.

However, Thaksin voiced determination to maintain the Thai company presence as part of international efforts l by way of the United Nations to rebuild war-torn Iraq.

The Thai contingent was sent to Iraq in September. Almost all members of the contingent are stationed at Lima Camp in Karbala.

The stint in Iraq marks the third mission for Thai crowds to take part in UN-l missions, after East Timor and Afghanistan.

In addition to health and medical care and civil engineering works, the Thai contingent is building relations with Iraqis in consequence of courses in Thai boxing, hair cutting services and Thai food

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