DeputyPrime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, chaired theopening ceremony of the International Fleet Review 2017, remarking thatthe event underlined the Royal Thai Navy’s readiness to work with itscounterparts in ASEAN along with the bloc’s allies, as well as theMinistry of Defense’s capability to help ensure regional security.
RoyalThai Navy Commander, Admiral Naris Pratumsuwan, alongside the Governorof Chonburi province and the mayor of Pattaya City, oversaw a parade inPattaya to launch the review. The opening ceremony included a weaponsdisplay by cadets of the Naval Ratings' School and a processioncelebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN.
A12 man parachute display, in which jumpers displayed flags of the 10ASEAN nations, the ASEAN flag and the flag of the Royal Thai Navy,preceded the activities of the review. Yesterday these included ademonstration of rescues on open water and cooperation between the navy,government agencies and the private sector.
Thecolorful activities attracted the interest of tourists, many of whomtraveled to Pattaya expressly to view the event and braved rains to seethe events unfold.
Thismorning, 40 warships from 18 countries conducted a parade at sea withPrime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha and his deputy Gen Prawit onboardHTMS Thalang. The procession showcased the capabilities of theparticipating nations as well as the strength of their alliance.-VNA