The Royal Thai Embassy of Brunei Darussalam recently commemorated the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day at the Cesar Grand Hall, Mulia Hotel.
In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam Her Excellency Boosara Kanchanalai said that Royal Thai Armed Forces Day, observed annually on 18th January, commemorates the courage and leadership of King Naresuan the Great who fought for the freedom and the unity of the Thai Kingdom 432 years ago.

“It is also a day to honour the sacrifices made by Thai armed forces personnel in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.
The ambassador further said that in addition to safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional monarchy, the Armed Forces also play an instrumental role in promoting national security and public order.
“They are among the first responders during times of crises, offering rescue, relief, and humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural disasters and other emergencies,” she said.

The ambassador further highlighted the 41 years of close bilateral relations of both countries including cooperation in the defence sector.
“Our armed forces have played a significant role in fostering this relationship through regular visits, exchanges, and cooperation. These initiatives have built mutual understanding, trust and respect, and promoted capacity building through shared experiences and best practices,” she shared.

Ambassador Boosara shared that last year, several successful high-level exchanges took place, including official visits by the Chief of Royal Thai Armed Forces, General Songwit Noonpakdee, the Chief of Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, and the Chief of Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Adoong Pan-ium. These visits demonstrated the strength of the countries’ top-level military ties.
Furthermore, the Air Working Group and Navy to Navy talk, hosted by Brunei Darussalam, have further enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

She also shared that the Thai Special Force also participated in the solidarity jump to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Force and a goodwill visit by three Royal Thai Naval ships to Muara Port.
“These events stand as strong testaments of our enduring military cooperation,” she added.

“I am confident that the relations between the Thai and Brunei armed forces will continue to flourish in the years to come, which will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in our ASEAN region.”
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Royal Thai Armed Forces on their exceptional accomplishment both domestically and externally. Their achievements have earned well-deserved recognition from the international community, bringing honour and prestige to Thailand and her people,” concluded Ambassador Boosara.

Present as the guest of honour were the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan and his spouse Datin Ummisyafinah Haji Zaini who were presented with tokens of appreciation from Her Excellency Ambassador Kanchanalai.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN