The navies of India and Thailand successfully concluded joint exercises during the 18th Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), official sources said today.
The 18th Cycle of CORPAT between Indian Navy and Royal Thailand Navy (RTN) was undertaken from April 1 to 8, the sources said.
INS Bangaram, a fast attack craft, one Indian Navy Dornier, Royal Thai Navy Ship HTMS Sriracha and one RTN Dornier participated in the CORPAT, they said.
Various joint exercises were conducted during the course of CORPAT to enhance the inter-operability. On completion of patrolling, both ships arrived at Port Blair on April 6. HTMS Sriracha was accorded a warm welcome on arrival.
The Closing Ceremony of the CORPAT took place at Port Blair on April 8. Senior Officer from RTN Rear Admiral Wanchai Tuamsem and Commander Task Unit Third Naval Command Capt Chawin Weangwises attended the closing ceremony.
The first meeting of Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy Joint Working Group on the Establishment of Order at Sea was held between December 22 and 26, 2003, at Bangkok.During the meeting both sides agreed to institute CORPATs and establish lines of communication between both navies.
The first CORPAT between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was held in 2005. The subsequent series of Coordinated Patrols have enhanced mutual confidence levels between the two Navies and have contributed to the effective implementation of the Law of the Sea to prevent illegal activities.
