Royal Thai Navy Commander Visits Philippines

To strengthen the longstanding ties between the Philippines and Thailand, Admiral Khamtorn Pumhiran, Commander-In-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, is holding a goodwill visit on May 24 to 26, 2009. This goodwill visit ensures that the cooperative relationship of the Philippine Navy and its Thai counterpart, one of the most advanced navies in the Southeast Asia region, remains strong and firm.

Adm Khamtorn Pumhiran, CIC, RTN, is currently the commander of the Royal Thai Navy, one of the most modern navies in the Southeast Asian region. He assumed command of the Royal Thai Navy in 2008 and has implemented various projects that aims to further modernize the operating capabilities of the Royal Thai Navy. Among his planned acquisitions for the Royal Thai Navy in the near future are a number of anti-ship missiles to add an offensive capability to their fleet and new tactical transport helicopters to improve troop mobility.

Adm Khamtorn Pumhiran, CIC, RTN, and his party is accompanied by Commodore Eugenio C Velasco, AFP, as they attend various activities as part of his goodwill visit to the country. Some of these activities include the wreathlaying-ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila; tour of Malacanang, Fort Santiago and Ayala Musuem. Other scheduled activities of Adm Khamtorn Pumhiran, CIC, RTN include a courtesy call and visit to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer-In-Command, Philippine Navy, Sec Gilberto C Teodoro Jr., DND, and Lt General Victor S Ibrado, Chief of Staff, AFP. Furthermore, he will also receive a command briefing at Headquarters Philippine Navy, Fort San Antonio Abad, Roxas Blvd, Manila, where he will be awarded with a Philippine Navy Honorary Command Badge.

This goodwill visit strengthens the ties that bind the Philippine Navy and the Royal Thai Navy to enhance the operational and security capabilities that exist between the two Asian countries. In addition, this goodwill visit also aims to improve maritime conditions and protect the vital interests of the two countries in the Southeast Asia region.