Islamabad, 19 January 2023 (TDI): On the occasion of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day, a reception was held at the Marquee Hall of Marriott Hotel Islamabad, where the Defence Attache of Thailand, Colonel Thanai Permpul, addressed the gathering.
The reception was attended by Air Marshal Irfan Ahmed, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, as the chief guest, along with other dignitaries.
Colonel Permpul acknowledged the long-standing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Thailand since 1951 and the strengthened ties in security after the establishment of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954.
He highlighted the ongoing security cooperation between the two countries, including the participation of Thailand in UNMOGIP missions, and the establishment of a joint exercise on counter-terrorism named Trisul.
He also mentioned that Pakistan has been invited as an observer to the COBRAGOLD Joint Exercise in Thailand this year.
For the army, Thailand is sending its elite special warfare command to participate in the 6th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition in 2023. Also, both countries are working on intelligence exchange with the respective intelligence communities.
For the navy, cooperation in maritime operations, visits of high-ranking commanders, and sending observers to the AMAN exercise in Karachi in 2023 have been planned.
For the Air Force, an exchange of visits of Commanders-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Pakistan Chief of Air Staff has been scheduled.
In terms of defense production, both countries have agreed to exchange products and Pakistan has sent high-ranking delegates to Defence and Security Expo in Thailand, and Thailand has sent its delegates to DEAS in Pakistan.
The reception also featured a performance by Pakistan Muay Thai Federation, and the attendees were treated to traditional Thai cuisine.
Colonel Permpul thanked the Ambassador of Thailand for promoting Muay Thai in Pakistan and mentioned that the Chief of the Army of Thailand is also working on promoting the sport globally. A big Muay Thai event is planned for February.
In conclusion, the reception served as a platform to further strengthen the security cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand and to foster goodwill between the two countries
