Myanmar navy ships return to Thailand

Myanmar navy ships return to Thailand

PHUKET - Ships of the Myanmar navy berthed at a Thai port for the first time in 18 years on Wednesday.

Captain Aung Zaw Hliang led the two frigates, UMS 561 and UMS 562, to the island of Phuket on Wednesday, where they will be docked at the Third Region Navy's base until Saturday.

The vessels' arrival reflects growing closer ties between the armed forces of the two countries. Myanmar has also dispatched two army officers to observe the annual  Cobra Gold military exercise in Thailand.

Vice Admiral Tharathorn Khachitsuwan, commander of the Third Region Navy responsible for the Andaman coast, welcomed the visitors and said it was possoible their could be joint patrols in future in a step towards solving common problems at sea.

Thailand is on alert for Rohingya people fleeing Myanmar by boat to take refuge in third countries.

The Thai regional navy chief did not raise the issue of the Rohingya in talks with the Myanmar vice admiral, saying it should not be discussed during this visit.

The Thai navy plans to go to Myanmar next month, with HTMS Tapi and HTMS Wittayacom to visit Yangon.

Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapakorn said in Bangkok on Tuesday that the Myanmar ships' visit was to celebrate 65 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He also expects closer relations of their armed forces in the future.

The two ships from Myanmar were built in-country and are equipped with anti-ship missiles.

Myanmar's ships are anchored at the Third Region Navy base in Phuket until Saturday. (Photo by Achadtaya Chuenniran)

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (1)