Cambodia, Thailand navies discuss maritime security cooperation

THE Royal Cambodian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy on Wednesday met to discuss further cooperation to prevent maritime crimes.

Tea Sokha, the Deputy Navy Commander and Commander of the Front Line Command of the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Maritime Security (NCMS), led the Cambodian delegation to the 11th Maritime Information Communication Meeting with the Commander of Thailand’s First Naval Area Command Suttinan Samanrak.

The meeting, held at the First Naval Area Command in Thailand’s Chonburi province, focused on the exchange of four points of maritime information, particularly investigations into cases of illegal imports and exports, the crackdown on drugs, prevention of human trafficking, and maritime search and rescue and disaster relief.

Sokha said when Samanrak received a comprehensive report on maritime offences, the Front Line Command requested the Royal Thai Navy to inform the Kingdom of any maritime security concerns so actions could be immediately taken.

“Issues of maritime security remain a major concern in the Southeast Asia region and other parts of the world.

“So, cooperation with national and international institutions, especially with the Royal Thai Navy’s First Naval Area Command is vital for the Royal Cambodian Navy, as well as NCMS,” said Sokha.

He said that such collaborations would increase security and stability, and ensure safe maritime navigation, maintain economic relations, protect natural resources, and address disaster relief.

“It will also assist in the continued prevention of illegal migration, illegal fishing, smuggling, drugs and arms trafficking, human trafficking, piracy, and other maritime crimes that occur in the territories of both countries as we share relevant information,” he said.

Sokha expressed hope that the two allies will get even closer as they develop their maritime ties since both nations already have harmonious bilateral relations and have assisted each other to maintain maritime security in the past.

Preah Sihanouk provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phearum welcomed the commitment of the Cambodian and Thai navies to jointly prevent maritime crimes.

“We welcome their efforts to boost military relations and cooperation to maintain maritime security,” he said.