Thammarak: Thai, Vietnam navies to resume joint sea patrols
The Thai and Vietnamese navies will resume joint sea patrol operations after a one-year break.
Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhya said joint patrol operations were necessary as Thailand and Vietnam shared territorial waters.
Gen Thammarak talked about reviving the patrols on a recent visit to Vietnam.
The Vietnamese defence minister had also backed an exchange of military officers from the two countries.
Vietnam was preparing for a joint cabinet meeting with Thailand, said Gen Thammarak, possibly in Danang or Wae.
Thailand had opted for Na Chor village in Nakhon Phanom, where the late Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh stayed during his fight against French colonialism. No date has been set.
Gen Thammarak said Vietnam has praised Thailand's efforts to crack down on drugs, especially sending drug addicts to rehabilitation and learn discipline at military camps.
By Wassana Nanuam - The Bangkok Post - November 10, 2003.
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