(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Royal Thai Navy have successfully conducted the 70th edition of the bilateral Malaysia-Thailand exercise, SEAEX THAMAL 70/24, which took place from August 17 to 23, 2024.
SEAEX THAMAL, which has been held annually since 1979, is a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation between Malaysian and Thai maritime agencies.
The 70/24 exercise commenced with an opening ceremony at the Naval Area Command 2 (NAC 2) in Songkhla, Thailand.
This phase successfully fostered esprit de corps among participants and further solidified the friendship between Malaysia and Thailand.
It marked the beginning of a robust cooperation focused on the goals and objectives of the exercise.
Following the opening, all assets proceeded to the sea phase in the South China Sea, involving key assets from both nations, including RMN’s KD PAHANG and KD SRI SARAWAK, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency’s KM REDANG, and the Malaysian Marine Police’s PA 24.
Thailand was represented by HTMS KRABI and HTMS LONGLOM from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), HTMS SATTAHIP from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Coordination Center, and RTMP 807 from the Royal Thai Marine Police.
The exercise significantly enhanced mutual understanding and interoperability between the maritime assets of both countries, fostering better collaboration in addressing maritime security challenges.
SEAEX THAMAL 70/24 concluded with a closing phase at the Western Fleet Command Headquarters (MAWILLA 1) in Kuantan.
This phase emphasized performance evaluation, experience sharing, and strengthening the relationships forged throughout the exercise.
It marked the successful achievement of the exercise’s overall objectives and reinforced the spirit of cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.
SEAEX THAMAL 70/24 has provided substantial benefits to both Malaysia and Thailand, and especially to the RMN.
The exercise has bolstered the collective capability to address maritime security issues, such as border incursions and maritime crime, which are crucial for ensuring security and stability in the South China Sea.
The RMN extends its heartfelt gratitude to all parties involved and who supported the execution of this exercise.
This success represents a significant milestone in enhancing maritime security and deepening the ties between Malaysia and Thailand.
Source: Strategic Communications Division, Western Fleet Command Headquarters — DSA