AFP eyes expansion of defense ties with Thai counterparts

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 3, 2023): AFP eyes expansion of defense ties with Thai counterparts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BOOSTING PARTNERSHIP. The incoming and outgoing Thai defense attachés to the Philippines pose for a photo with Maj. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon (left), AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence and AFP Inspector General Lt. Gen. William Gonzales (right) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Oct. 3, 2023). Group Capt. Nirut Rattanajanya replaced Group Capt. Soonthorn Pongampai as Bangkok's defense attaché to Manila. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it looks to further expand its strong defense relationship with Thailand.

This came as Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, AFP Inspector General and acting deputy chief of staff, welcomed the incoming and outgoing Thai defense attachés in a joint introductory and exit call at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“We would like to thank you for your services here for the last three years, and I hope you gained a lot of experience. We are very thankful for your time and assistance to the AFP," Gonzales told outgoing Thai defense attaché, Group Capt. Soonthorn Pongampai, who served from October 2020 to September this year.

Pongampai was replaced by Group Capt. Nirut Rattanajanya as Bangkok's new defense attaché to Manila.

In recognition of his services to the AFP, Pongampai was awarded with the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Commendation Medal and Ribbon.

These ceremonies highlight the strong defense relationship and engagements of both countries, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said.

Ileto added the AFP looks forward to continuing diplomatic cooperation with the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211011