Thailand visit builds on years of friendship

HMAS Perth arrived to a warm welcome in Sattahip, Thailand, for the second port visit on her regional presence deployment in South-East Asia.

On the wharf, CO Perth CMDR Dylan White received a garland of flowers from CAPT Kongkrit Homtalob, Chief of Chuk Samet Port, in an official welcome from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). 

“The kind welcome we have received in Chonburi province reaffirms the enduring maritime partnership between our navies. We are very pleased to be in Thailand during our regional presence deployment,” CMDR White said. 

“We value the opportunity to connect and train together with the Royal Thai Navy.

“Perth last visited Thailand in 2024. It’s our honour to be back with a new crew in Sattahip to build on the many years of close friendship.” 

The week-long visit began with official meetings between the Australian and Thai delegations. 

CMDR White and RAN members paid courtesy calls on the Commander of 1st Frigate Squadron of the Royal Thai Fleet RADM Sunsearn Sadod and the Chief of Staff of Sattahip Naval Base RADM Charanphat Chaisomboon. 

During the meetings, the parties discussed strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries, including Thailand’s involvement in this year’s Exercise Kakadu and upcoming exercises. 

The hosting continued in the CO’s day cabin with an official luncheon for the VIPs, followed by opportunities for the crew to explore Thailand. 

Members from Perth visited a local school, the Special Education Centre in Chon Buri, while others played a friendly game of volleyball with the RTN. 

The Australian team captain, AB Valentine Mugabe, gave his all to the match, even wiping the wooden floor of the gymnasium to make sure his teammates didn’t slip. 

“We’re here to have fun and play a safe game of volleyball with the Royal Thai Navy,” he said. 

“It’s all about playing good sport and being good sports.” 

Team captain of the Thai side, LT Nutsapol Doorla, thanked the Australian side for the match, where the teams played together in an evenly matched game.

The visit culminated in a traditional sunset ceremony on board Perth during the ship’s official reception, featuring the firing of ceremonial blank rounds.

In attendance were distinguished guests from the various embassies in Thailand, personnel from the RTN and the Thai cave divers who made headlines for their role in the rescue of a local soccer team supported by Australian divers. 

In his address, Australian Ambassador to Thailand Pablo Kang reflected on the close defence relationship between the two nations.

“HMAS Perth’s visit provides a meaningful opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation and further deepen the enduring ties between Australia and Thailand,” Ambassador Kang said.

“We share a strong history of defence education and training together. Our work with each other, and with regional partners, is essential for a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

After an official send-off from the RTN band, Perth conducted a passage exercise with the RTN’s HTMS Bangpakong, including a replenishment at sea and officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres off the coast.

See more photos here.