BANGKOK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Thailand agreed on Friday with Laos's request to repatriate some 5,000 Hmong refugees from Thailand's northern province of Phetchabun by the middle of this year. Thailand has sheltered some 8,000 Hmong from Laos since 2004.

    "It is possible that we are able to repatriate them in accordance with the schedule since it is now clear that the Hmong could return safely," the website by The Nation newspaper quoted Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya as saying on Friday.

    The Thai foreign minister visited Vientiane on Friday for an introductory trip as Thailand's new foreign minister and to review all issues concerning bilateral ties, the website reported.

    Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also plans to visit Laos on Jan. 23 to introduce himself as Thailand's new Premier and to discuss further cooperation between the two neighboring countries.