Myanmar warship visits Thailand
A Myanmar warship is making an historic visit to Thailand as military ties between the two countries are - according to some diplomatic sources - "at their best".
The Chinese-built frigate UMS Mahar Bandoola F-21 arrived in Phuket on Thursday and left for the navy base at Sattahip, Chon Buri, yesterday.
This is the second time a Myanmar warship has visited in Thailand, though it will be the first time one docks at the Sattahip naval base.
UMS Mahar Bandoola is due to arrive in Sattahip on Tuesday and will stay there until Friday.
The Jianghu-II class frigate from China has 114 crew, is 103.33 metres long and 10.8 metres wide, with water displacement of 1,424 tonnes.
Thai diplomatic sources in Myanmar said ties between the armed forces of the two countries were now “at their best”, and credited Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn for his role in strengthening bilateral ties.
“The Myanmar warship’s visit indicates the two government’s readiness to develop military cooperation to a higher level,” a diplomatic source said.
