Oceanographic research ship launched to mark 40th anniversary of Sino-Thai relations

PHUKET, 1 May 2015 (NNT) - The Chakthong Thongyai, a Thai oceanographic research ship, was launched from a dock at the Andaman Sea Fisheries Research and Development Center pier in Phuket on Thursday morning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations.

The ceremony was witnessed by Mr.Sopon Thongdee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) while the Chinese side was represented by Mr. Zheng Shuwei from the Chinese Consular Office in Phuket. It was also attended by several provincial officials.

The Chakthong Thongyai ship will travel around the Similan Islands in Phang-nga between 30 April and 7 May 2015. Its mission is to collect field data and information about negative impacts of monsoons on marine ecosystem and society in the Andaman Sea.

Marine cooperation between Thailand and China began in 2008. Both countries signed agreements on academic collaboration in marine studies and an MOU on marine cooperation between Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and China’s State Oceanic Administration (SOA). The bilateral cooperation covers maritime research, oceanography and environment. Progress of these projects are shared and followed up regularly through many meetings and researcher exchange programs.

The Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations was officially established much earlier in 1975, on July 1st. Since then government leaders and high-ranking persons of both countries, including members of the Thai Royal Family, have paid mutual visits regularly. As a result, Thailand and China have extensive progress in political, economic, trade, military, educational, scientific, technological and cultural ties.


-- NNT 2015-05-01

I tried Google to obtain more details and maybe a photo of this 'Oceanographic research ship' to see if bears any similarity to a real Ocean Research Ship. But no luck other than a 100 pax patrol ship at Phuket Aquarium.

http://phuketaquarium.org/map/5-zonephuketaquarium/

What is the Chinese interest in the Andaman sea ? Bearing in mind what effect the IUU fishing is having around the area, I would have thought first sort out the fishing industry.

What is the Chinese interest in the Andaman sea ? Bearing in mind what effect the IUU fishing is having around the area, I would have thought first sort out the fishing industry.

Perhaps the Thai oceanographic research ship will also be mapping the seabed that might have military and resource uses for the Chinese that it couldn't otherwise obtain except very covertly.

I eventually found a photo, not so bad vessel ... but hardly a real ocean going vessel.