Brunei, Thai armed forces strengthen ties

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Feb 2, 2019, Borneo Bulletin. Ties between Thai and Brunei armed forces will continue to be enhanced to maintain peace in the ASEAN region, said Defence Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Colonel Nopadej Pansri, reported the Borneo Bulletin.

He made this statement at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day celebration at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom of The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong last night.

Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud was the guest of honour along with his spouse.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah and Thai Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Wanthanee Viputwongsakul were also present.

Colonel Nopadej Pansri said that Thailand and Brunei Darussalam have enjoyed close ties in every aspect, both at the bilateral level and under the ASEAN framework.

“Our armed forces conduct regular exchanges not only at the top level but also between our staff officers and military cadets,” he added.

The study visit last year by fourth year Army cadets from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Thailand to Brunei, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aimed to foster understanding between the two nations and build capacities in confronting common challenges such as disaster relief, climate change, food security and ensuring maritime safety.

Colonel Nopadej said the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day is annually celebrated on January 18 to commemorate the courage and leadership of King Naresuan the Great who fought for the freedom and the unity of the Thai Kingdom 428 years ago.

The event also recognises the sacrifices of the armed forced personnel in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The armed forces also assist the government in solving internal security problems.