Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Embarks on Official Visit to India

New Delhi, April 1, 2024– Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, the esteemed Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, commenced his official visit to India from April 1st to April 3rd, 2024. During his visit, he engaged in high-level discussions and interactions aimed at strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two maritime nations.

The focal point of Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam’s visit was his meeting with Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, held in New Delhi on April 1st, 2024. The discussions encompassed a wide range of topics including mutual cooperation in the maritime domain, exchange programs for training, and enhanced information sharing mechanisms.

In a solemn gesture of respect and remembrance, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam paid homage at the National War Memorial, where he laid a ceremonial wreath to honor the sacrifices of brave soldiers. Subsequently, he received a traditional Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Navy at the South Block, New Delhi, symbolizing the warm welcome extended to him during his visit.

As part of his itinerary, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam is scheduled to hold meetings with key dignitaries including the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Defence Secretary, and the National Maritime Security Coordinator. These engagements aim to further foster collaboration and understanding between the naval forces of India and Thailand.

In line with efforts to deepen defense cooperation, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam will also meet with officials from the Indian Defence Industries and the Department of Defence Production in New Delhi. Additionally, an interactive session with Indian Navy Officials from the Warship Design Bureau is planned to explore avenues for enhancing shipbuilding capabilities and identifying future opportunities for collaboration in ship maintenance and repairs.

The visit underscores the robust defense partnership between India and Thailand, with both navies actively engaging in coordinated patrols and joint exercises. Notably, the maiden IN-RTN Bilateral Exercise, Ex-Ayutthaya, held in December 2023, exemplifies the commitment to enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the two maritime forces.

Furthermore, the participation of one Royal Thai Navy Ship, HTMS Prachup Kheri Khan, in MILAN 24, held in Visakhapatnam in February 2024, highlights the shared commitment to promoting regional security and stability.

Both India and Thailand are active members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), further emphasizing the shared interests and responsibilities in safeguarding the maritime domain.

The visit of Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam reaffirms the enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy, laying the groundwork for continued cooperation and collaboration in the maritime domain.

For further updates on this significant visit, stay tuned.

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