Asean navies focus on marine environment

By The Nation

 

 

Pattaya conference of regional maritime forces emphasises consensus in south china sea, unified early warning system
 

NAVY commanders-in-chief of the Asean countries have pledged to boost regional cooperation to protect the maritime environment and combat piracy by setting up an early warning system that links all member countries’ naval forces, according to Admiral Naris Prathumsuwan, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy.

 

Speaking at a conference of Asean navies in Pattaya, Chon Buri, Naris said member countries had also endorsed the adoption of “Asean Navies Stronger Together Forever” as the grouping’s official song.

 

Navy commanders-in-chief from the nine other Asean countries took part in the regional conference to mark Asean’s 50th anniversary.

 

Naris said member countries needed help from one another to protect the region’s maritime environment since all territorial waters were interconnected and no country could escape environmental damages in the open sea.

 

Nations such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia with long coastlines already cooperate closely but all Asean countries are meant to join in regional efforts to cope with emergencies and other challenges by setting up an early warning system for maritime environmental protection and tackling piracy and other threats.

 

Thailand is hosting the Asean maritime conference and related events with the participation of more than 5,000 officers and a total of 40 warships from 18 countries, which will join the International Fleet Review in Pattaya today.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and other senior military officers will observe today’s parade as part of commemorations for Asean’s 50th anniversary.

 

Prawit, who yesterday presided over the opening ceremony of a related international maritime event, said the navies of Asean and other countries had consistently worked together to promote peace in the region and around the world, marked by joint naval exercises and other activities.

 

Regarding the South China Sea conflicts, Prawit said Asean countries had to work out the issue with China and ensure freedom of navigation in the area along the lines  of “Asean plus” frameworks.

 

These frameworks include “Asean plus 1” with China, “Asean plus 6” and “Asean plus 8”. Asean’s counterpart countries include China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.

 

Meanwhile, Prawit refused to comment on Thai politics when asked by reporters about speculation that he might lose the defence portfolio in the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle. Instead, Prawit turned to talk to other military top officers, including Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdej Sitabut.

 

Prayut is expected to announce his new Cabinet line-up shortly, the fifth reshuffle since taking office more than three years ago.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30332017

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-11-20

It may be my warped sense of humour, but everytime I look at that picture a geriatric version of the Village People song "In the Navy" springs to mind...

 

Sent from my KENNY using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

Given that the visiting fleet is parked in Pattaya bay it is appropriate that they discuss marine pollution. I hope they have measures on the various vessels to ensure there is no fouling due to plastic waste in the water.

yesterdays opening ceremony was met with a down pore and all the parade floats nrth of pattaya central rd were suspended in the filthy sewer water ,that washed down to beachrd /freeway..the smell was terrible as we watched floats from Hollywood disco and tiffanys show submerged in the filthy black,waste water, that then gushed into pattaya bay....I hope the hero of Thailand was watching this mess..700 MILLION TO REDO BALI PIER WHILE THE FLOODING ON BEACHRD/FREEWAY, CONTINUES...''AMUSING THAILAND''....

Edited November 20, 20178 yr by mok199

Agree with Mok above; photos of navies from Asean countries paddling through the canal known as Beach Road must have really enhanced Thailand's reputation throughout  the world.

Let's hope they have taken into account the Thai Navy's plan to greatly expand the industrial complex at Sattahip and the effects that will have on Rayong's beaches and marine environment.

It is also disappointing that they don't seem to realise that marine environments also include the adjoining lands.

I was hoping they bring up about the new subs that are arriving from china Everybody needs a good laugh at these Talks

 

Catch phrase can be "Three for the Price of Two" What a bargain