2 Thai Navy frigates arrive for goodwill visit

March 29, 2019

Two frigates of the Royal Thai Navy, Naresuan and Bangpakong arrived at South Harbor Friday for a goodwill visit to the Philippines until April 2, the Philippine Navy said Friday.

The Thai delegation is headed by the Rear Admiral Chanint Phadungkiat, deputy commander of Royal Thai Naval Academy.

Part of the visiting contingent is the Royal Thai Navy Cadet Cruise Training Unit comprised of more than 500 cadets.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz meet the Royal Thai Navy vessels in the vicinity of Corregidor Island and escorted them to the berthing area.

PN delegates, headed by the commander of Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, Commodore Alberto Carlos accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony followed by a presser and port briefing related to health and security aboard one of Royal Thai Navy vessels.

In his statement, Carlosy welcomed the delegation and highlighted the significance of the visit saying, “The arrival of our Royal Thai Navy counterparts underscores the continuing efforts to further strengthen the relationship between our governments and navies. This will further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy.”

In response, Phadungkiat conveyed his appreciation for the warm welcome of the PN and expressed keenness in the scheduled engagements between the two navies during their stay in Manila.

Phadungkiat and the commanding officers of two ships are scheduled to have a courtesy call on the Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad at the PN headquarters in Roxas Blvd.

Also lined up are confidence building engagements between Philippine and Royal Thai navies such as shipboard tour, reciprocal receptions and friendly games.

This year’s visit marks the fourth time that Royal Thai Navy ships arrive in the country since 2010. DMS