BANGKOK - US Secretary of Defence Leon E. Panetta will visit Thailand on Thursday, according to a press release of the US Embassy in Bangkok, released on Wednesday. ?

The visit is part of his three-country tour to strengthen alliances with partners in Asia Pacific region.

During the visit, Panetta will meet with Thai Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat to discuss closer cooperation between Thailand and the United States.

After the meeting, Panetta and Sukampol will hold a joint?news conference at Ministry of Defence.