Fleet parade to mark Asean’s 50th birthday

The Royal Thai Navy has made preparations to host an international fleet parade to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Asean in November.

Navy deputy chief Adm Paladej Charoenpool said the 50th Anniversary of the Asean International Fleet Review 2017 (Asean IFR 2017), is scheduled to take place from Nov 13-22 this year in Pattaya, Chon Buri.

Adm Paladej, who chairs a panel overseeing the event, said about 58 countries across the world have accepted invitations to the review so far. The event, featuring more than 40 international-flagged battleships, will comprise various activities which will be hosted by the navy as well as other state and private agencies.

Thai and foreign naval and army officers will also join a military parade along a beachfront road in Pattaya to celebrate the establishment of Asean, founded in 1967.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha will chair a review of a Thai navy fleet parade on Nov 18 when the 11th Asean Navy Chief’s Meeting will be organised. Joint land and sea military drills will be held during Nov 14-21 as well.

Meanwhile, other activities to boost tourism will also be launched in Chon Buri and its neighbouring province of Rayong. They include the Pattaya international fireworks performance; the Loy Krathong festival; Ship Technology for the Next Decade, an exhibition highlighting the latest vessel technology; and the Air Race 1 World Cup 2017, an international competition of the world’s fastest motorsport driven by modern aircraft technology, at U-tapao international airport.