Khao Bai Sri Principal Ketsra Phuaknang
(left) thanks Singapore Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sam Abey for his help in
rebuilding the school.
Patcharapol Panrak
Singaporean naval personnel took time off from this
year’s Cobra Gold exercise to rebuild an autistic children’s center at
Sattahip’s Khao Bai Sri School.
Royal Thai Navy Rear Adm. Chochat Krathet, director
of this year’s Cobra Gold war games, joined Singapore Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sam
Abey and Khao Bai Sri Principal Ketsra Phuaknang at the completion
ceremony for the Sampan Community Project Feb. 18.
Thai Capt. Thiti Nawanukhrao, chief organizer for
Cobra Gold, said the Sampan project was aimed at giving foreign
participants in the games an opportunity to engage in beneficial
activities and help develop communities to promote better relationships
and image amongst soldiers and citizens.
For the autism center, the troops rebuilt the
facility and repaired equipment to provide a quality education.
Abey stated his delight in working with Cobra Gold
2012 in Thailand, his amazement at witnessing many things, particularly,
the pure kindness and welcome from Thai people, and a chance to work
with the Thai forces in the Sampan Community Project.
Chorchat said the cooperative project shows the
strong relationship between the two countries. He praised and thanked
all the personnel that participated before turning over the new facility
to the students.
