West Philippine Sea: DND, Thailand eye boost in defense cooperation

WPS COMPOSITE IMAGE from Inquirer, AFP, Reuters file photos

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Royal Thai Navy eye to boost the Philippines’ defense sector and capabilities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement on Sunday, the DND said its Undersecretary Angelito De Leon welcomed Admiral Adoong Pan-Inam, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, along with his delegations last July 4 for their three-day visit.

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De Leon and Pan-Inam “agreed to increase navy-to-navy engagements through established dialogue mechanisms,” the agency added.

According to DND, De Leon shared the agency’s implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, suggesting a possible partnership between the two countries to enhance the Philippines’s “self-reliant defense posture.”

Pan-Inam, on the other hand, “shared Thailand’s best practices in manufacturing its own ammunitions, weapons, missiles, and military naval assets, particularly its offshore patrol vessels, and spare parts for its frigates.”

“He also mentioned Thailand’s willingness to support Philippine defense industries through enhanced partnership and collaboration,” the DND added.

De Leon said under the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation, possible areas of cooperation may include “linkages with tech and systems developers to jointly enhance cybersecurity and ensure the protection of cyber-networks.”

Both officials are also looking forward to other commemorative activities concerning the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, including the Defense Minister of Thailand’s official visit to the country this year.