The HTMS Narathiwat pulls
into Sihanoukville Port on a friendship
call to Cambodia.
Patcharapol Panrak
A Royal Thai Navy ship paid a friendship call in
Cambodia’s Sihanoukville, strengthening ties between military forces and
giving Khmer officials a chance to air concerns about Cambodian workers.
The HTMS Narathiwat pulled into the Sihanoukville
port May 21 with Rear Adm. Pradit Siricupt meeting with Cambodian Rear
Adm. Ruwa Viyasana, who welcomed the Thai crew with flowers.
A motorcade of five vehicles took the Thais to
Sihanoukville City Hall where Pradit met with Deputy Mayor Pra Sridara.
The two sides exchanged ideas and souvenirs to help strengthen the
Thai-Khmer relationship.
The group then returned to port to visit the Ream
Naval Base. Met by Vice Adm. Ukk Sai-aa, the Thais were welcomed with a
military honor guard and the two sides enjoyed a reception.
During his meeting with Pradit, Ukk expressed concern
about the plight of some Cambodian workers in Thailand who had entered
the kingdom illegally or were the victims of human trafficking, such as
those working on fishing boats.
Pradit assured his counterpart that the Thai navy
vigorously patrols its territorial waters and checks many fishing boats
to make sure their workers are free and legal, rescuing those who are
there against their will.
Top brass from both navies
hold discussions in Sihanoukville.
