The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Perth has arrived at Sattahip for a week-long visit to Thailand as part of Australia’s Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
The Anzac-class frigate, carrying around 190 personnel, will conduct joint training and activities with the Royal Thai Navy during its visit. A reception aboard the ship will also bring together representatives from Thailand and Australia’s defence, government, business and civil society sectors.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Pablo Kang said the visit would provide an opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation and deepen the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“HMAS Perth’s visit provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation and further deepen the longstanding ties between Australia and Thailand,” Kang said.
He highlighted the countries’ long history of cooperation in military education and training, saying their work with regional partners was important to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
HMAS Perth commanding officer Lt Cmdr Dylan White said the crew looked forward to working alongside their Thai counterparts.
“Our deployment aims to strengthen interoperability, build professional relationships and contribute to regional security,” White said.
HMAS Perth last visited Thailand in 2024. The ship, which has been in Royal Australian Navy service for 20 years, provides a range of modern maritime capabilities for various missions.
White said the crew also valued the opportunity to conduct exercises with the Royal Thai Navy and strengthen the close friendship between the two navies.