KUALA LUMPUR: It was an occasion to salute the brave men and women in uniform, who were prepared to risk their lives to defend their nation.
Hence, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day was celebrated in steep military tradition with a reception at the Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel in Jalan Conlay.
There were plenty of traditional Thai cuisine, savouries and handicraft for guests to relish.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang graced the occasion hosted by Thai ambassador Narong Sasitorn and its defence attaché Colonel Aroon Kaewset.
Also present were Thai naval attaché Captain Tepparit Laplua and its air force attaché Group Captain Alongkot Tamprasert.
Narong said the reception marked a very auspicious occasion for his country as it celebrated the coronation of its king, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, just last year.
“His Majesty has had an extensive military education, training and experience, and has served as a career officer in the Royal Thai Army. He is the head of the kingdom’s armed forces,” said Narong.
He commended the cordial relations between both Thailand and Malaysia in preserving peace and stability, thanks largely to the courageous soldiers from both sides of the border.
“I wish to pay tribute to men and women in uniform of our two countries who have forged an indelible bond of camaraderie that will endure any test and challenge.
“We have worked side by side in ending the communist insurgency in Malaysia, which resulted in the signing of the Peace Agreement of Hat Yai back in 1989.
“We have worked together in the preservation of peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and beyond.
“This spirit and history of mutual sacrifices and friendship are recorded as one of the richest chapters in our bilateral relations,” said Narong.
He added that besides joint exercises and frequent exchanges of visits at all levels, the depth of military cooperation between the two countries is best reflected in the regular meetings under various mechanisms.
Narong identified such cooperation through the General Border Committee, the High Level Committee and the Regional Border Committee.
“As the Asean Chair last year, Thailand had the privilege to host the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, with an outcome of a joint declaration on ‘Sustainable Security’.
“This reiterated the strengthening of defence cooperation and coordination among Asean member countries and its partners.
“I am more than confident that the cordial relations between our armed forces will continue to grow in the years ahead,” he said.
Narong added that such initiatives would surely ensure safety and security for its people, particularly those in the border areas, and safeguard national interests of Malaysia and Thailand.