Thai frigates dock in Manila for goodwill visit

PHOTO from Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines — Two frigates of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) have docked in Manila on Friday for a goodwill visit.

HTMS (His Thai Majesty’s Ship) Naresuan (FFG-421) and Bangpakong (FFG-456) will stay at Pier 15, South Harbor until April 2.

This is the fourth time that Thai navy ships have visited the country since 2010, Navy public affairs chief Capt. Jonathan Zata said in a statement.

Aside from shipboard tours, reciprocal receptions, and friendly games, the commanding officers of the two Thai Navy ships and the head of delegation, Rear Adm. Chanint Phadungkiat, will pay a courtesy call on Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad.

Part of the visiting contingent includes 500 naval cadets from the RTN Cadet Cruise Training Unit.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) joined the Thai ships at the vicinity of Corregidor Island and escorted them to port.

Naval Combat Engineering Brigade commander Commo. Alberto Carlos led the Philippine Navy delegation in welcoming the visitors.

The diplomatic relations of the two countries stretches back to the 1940s. /ee