Myanmar Navy coming to Phuket in historic diplomatic visit

PHUKET: Two warships from the Myanmar Navy are due to arrive in Phuket on February 20 in the navy’s historic first-diplomatic visit to a foreign country.

The Myanmar Navy, which currently operates more than 122 vessels, will arrive in Phuket to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations with Thailand, and offers the chance for joint military discussions, Lieutenant Commander Chaloemsak Chaijit of the Naval Civil Affairs Department of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command told the Phuket Gazette yesterday.

“There will be talks about military relations, possibly about a joint marine patrol for the first time,” Lt Cdr Chaloemsak said.

“The warships, UMS 561 and UMS 562, are ships used for coastal patrols in Myanmar territorial waters around the Ranong border,” Lt Cdr Chaloemsak added.

The Thai Navy visits Myanmar once every year or two. However, this will be the first time the Myanmar Navy has visited any foreign country.

“The visit shows that Myanmar has become more open, and is a good sign of growing relations between the Thai and Myanmar navies,” he said.

The ships, with 80 to 100 officers on board, will arrive in Phuket at about 7am on February 20. They will be welcomed by officers from the 3rd Naval Area Command and will stay for three days.

The diplomatic visit will not be all work.

“The first social function will be hosted by the Myanmar Navy on their ships on February 20. The next day we will host a social event at Cape Panwa hotel,” Lt Cdr Chaloemsak said.

— Chutharat Plerin