On 13 December 2010, H.E.Mr Somchai Charanasomboon, Thai Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), welcomed ADM. Thagerngsak Wangkaew, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy, on the occasion H.T.M.S Similan berthed at Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, after Counter Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden Mission.
On this occasion, the Thai Ambassador, together with Embassy officials and staffs, joined the Chief of Staff on board H.T.M.S Similan where official welcoming ceremony took place followed by a briefing.
The Royal Thai Navy, by approval of the Thai Government, has assigned H.T.M.S Similan and H.T.M.S Pattani to participate in the joint operation along with 26 nations in protecting commercial liners from piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Over the past 2 months, both ships had patrolled and escorted both Thai and foreign carriers to ensure safe journeys.
To note, prior to the arrival of Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Chiyot Sungdaranaga, Commander, Frigate Squadron 2, Royal Thai Fleet, accompanied by 7 navy officials, paid a courtesy call on the Thai Ambassador at his residence in Abu Dhabi on 11 December 2010, whereby he briefed the Ambassador on the mission, as well as invited the Ambassador to visit H.T.M.S Similan on 13 December 2010. In this regard, the Ambassador hosted a luncheon in honour of the Rear Admiral and his delegation.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th