NBC announced this afternoon that it was adding another Far East Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand with former ITN reporter Ian Williams joining the network as its correspondent…

As a continuation of plans to expand NBC News’ presence in Asia announced earlier this year, NBC News President Steve Capus announced today the opening of a bureau in Bangkok, Thailand. Ian Williams, who comes to NBC News from ITN, will serve as the bureau’s full-time correspondent and will begin operations immediately with additional bureau staff.

“Thailand has long been recognized as a key location for news gathering in Asia, providing quick access to and instant communication with neighboring countries and beyond,” said Capus. “Our expansion into this critical spot, coupled with our bureau in Beijing, creates an Asia ‘hub’ and solidifies our presence in the region. And of course we are thrilled to welcome Ian to NBC News.”

Williams joins NBC after more than a decade reporting nearly every significant story in Asia for ITN’s Channel 4 News, Britian’s award winning news and current affairs broadcaster. Prior to his arrival in Asia he was the program’s Moscow correspondent. He joined Channel 4 News in 1989, and his reports and documentaries have won British and international awards.

Already a newsgathering presence in Asia, NBC News, in concert with CNBC, expanded its bureau in Beijing, China in June, 2006. Fritz Von Klein is NBC News’ Asia Bureau Chief, overseeing the network’s coverage of the Pacific Rim and South East Asia. Mark Mullen serves as NBC’s correspondent in Beijing.