BANGKOK, 26 May 2015 – The Chief of the Defence Forces has announced the establishment of the Patrol Command Center for Humanitarian Aid, tasked with helping Irregular Migrants in the Indian Ocean.
The Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Worapong Sanganetra, along with the commander of the Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief and delegates from the Royal Thai Armed Forces held a press conference announcing the establishment of the Patrol Command Center for the Humanitarian Aid to Irregular Migrants in the Indian Ocean. The Command Center will be located at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.
He has said that the Patrol Command Center was initiated due to an order from the government to the Ministry of Defence to provide help to the migrants in the Indian Ocean. The patrol command center will operate under the same structure as the Armed Forces Command Centers.
The Patrol Command Center is responsible for aid operations towards refugees, using the Armed Forces’ resources, with an operational time frame of two weeks from today, or until the efforts are deemed as a success.
The Defence Forces Chief has cited the Prime Minister’s instruction to heed to the needs of refugees, and to provide help based on the humanitarian principles. The initial budget for this operation will be provided by the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
Regarding the use of location, as requested from international entities, the Defence Forces Chief has revealed that the United States has requested to use the airport in Thailand as an operational base for mutual air patrol. The Defence Forces Chief said the issue is currently under negotiations.
He has said that Thailand is willing to cooperate with the United States on this matter, but the operation must be carried out under the supervision of the newly established Patrol Command Center.
