SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Two vessels of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) docked at this premier Freeport on Wednesday as part of a goodwill visit to the Philippines.
The His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Taksin (FFG-422), a Naresuan-class frigate, and the HTMS Krabi (OPV-551), a modified river-class patrol vessel, will be here until Saturday.
SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the naval visit “is not only an opportunity for the Philippine government to further strengthen maritime relations with the government of Thailand, but is also a manifestation of the critical role that the Subic Bay Freeport plays in enhancing maritime cooperation between the Philippines and its allies.”
“The SBMA is always ready and willing to be of service in pursuit of regional cooperation, peace and security, and the promotion of the Philippines as an active partner in these endeavors,” Eisma said during a courtesy call of Rear Admiral Sompong Poowiang and Commander Archarigaruth Noichinda in her office on Thursday.
Poowiang conveyed his appreciation to the warm welcome and expressed his keenness for the scheduled engagements between the two navies during their stay.
The RTN officials are scheduled to visit the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales, while the crew will take part in “confidence-building engagements” with the Philippine Navy like shipboard tours, reciprocal receptions and friendly games. (PNA)
