By HENRY EMPEÑO | 

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Two ships of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), with about 500 crewmen and officials, arrived here on Wednesday for what was announced as a goodwill visit to the Philippines.

The Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG-422) and the modified river-class patrol vessel HTMS Krabi (OPV-551) entered Subic Bay at about 4:00 p.m. and docked side by side at the Alava Wharf here.

Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr., chief the Philippine Navy’s Fleet-Marine Ready Force who welcomed the RTN officers and crew at dockside, said the visitors will be here until Saturday.

He added that some 500 servicemen aboard the two RTN vessels will conduct training and “confidence-building engagements” with counterparts in the Philippine Navy during the visit.

On Thursday morning, Rear Admiral Sompong  Pooniang, who headed the mission, and Commander Archarigaruth Noichinda also called at the office of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to present a ship memento.

SBMA Chairman 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 added.

Adaci also underscored the significance of the visit as a “continuing effort to strengthen the relationship between our governments and navies.”

He said the RTN officials are scheduled to visit the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in San Antonio, Zambales, while the crew will take part in shipboard tours, reciprocal receptions and friendly games with the Philippine Navy.

In turn, Poowiang conveyed his appreciation for the warm welcome and expressed enthusiasm for the scheduled interaction between the two navies.

 

TOP PHOTO: The Philippine Navy brass band welcomes the arrival of Royal Thai Navy’s frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG-422) and offshore patrol vessel HTMS Krabi (OPV-551) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport upon arrival on Wednesday for a goodwill visit in the Philippines. (Photo by Jun Dumaguing)