Thailand and Brunei Darussalam have long enjoyed close bilateral relations, including in the defence sector, said Thai Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Boosara Kanchanalai in her remarks to mark Royal Thai Armed Forces Day on Wednesday at a hotel in Gadong.
The strengthening of defence relations have been built through frequent exchanges between armed forces of the two countries fostering understanding as well as building capacities through sharing of experiences and best practices, she said.
The envoy said, “In 2023, we witnessed several high-level exchanges, including the official visit to Thailand by Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, while the Royal Thai Armed Forces General Chalermpon Srisawasdi was bestowed with the royal decoration of ‘The Most Exalted Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang 1st Class (DPKT)’.
“We have many other military cooperation including intelligence exchange, military education exchange and regular meetings under various mechanisms within bilateral and regional frameworks.”
In addition to its traditional role of safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional monarchy, she said, “the armed forces are tasked with assisting the government to address internal security and transnational issues. Other responsibilities include offering social and economic development initiatives and humanitarian assistance in the event of natural disasters.”
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan attended as the guest of honour along with spouse Datin Ummisyafinah binti Haji Zaini.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, and spouse Datin Hajah Azizah binti Haji Miramit were also present at the reception. – James Kon
