THAILAND TO GET $1.7B IN U.S. AID, DEBT RELIEF.(MAIN)

Byline: Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The Clinton administration announced a $1.7 billion aid package for Thailand on Friday, including an unusual arrangement in which the Pentagon will assume $250 million in payments for eight jet fighters Thailand ordered but no longer can afford.

``We want to do whatever we can to be a good friend and a good partner,'' President Clinton said at the outset of a White House meeting with Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.

Clinton said Thailand deserves help because it is taking tough and effective measures to cope with its economic crisis. The value of the Thai currency collapsed last summer, forcing the country to …