South African military chief vacations in Phuket

PHUKET: South Africa’s top military commander arrived in Phuket today on an unofficial visit.

Gen Godfrey Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force, was welcomed upon arrival at the Naval Section runway at Phuket International Airport by Vice-Admiral Chumnum Ajwong, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area.

General Godfrey, 60, and his wife Busisiwe Portia arrived at 10am aboard a Royal Thai Navy aircraft.

Their arrival followed a visit by Gen Godfrey to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Bangkok, at which it became known that the military leader had an interest in visiting Phuket.

V/Adm Chumnum said he felt proud that Phuket’s fame as a tourist destination had reached the attention of Gen Godfrey.

At the conclusion of the formal welcoming ceremony this morning, Gen Godfrey and his wife were scheduled to take a boat tour of Phang Nga Bay.

The couple are scheduled to fly out on Thursday.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan