(General Alexander B.Yano)
(Vice Admiral Ferdinand S. Golez)
Rear Admiral Montri Srakaew,
Captain Samarn Khunthaphong,
Captain Ruangsan Buaphuak,?? ?
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,


On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines, it is a great pleasure to express my warmest welcome to the 574 officers, cadets and crew members on board HTMS Taksin and HTMS Bangpakong on its operational visit to the Philippines during 8 ? 10 April 2009. Let me take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Office of the Naval Attache, in particular the hard work of Capt. Wilers Smabut, which made this visit possible. I would also like to express my sincerest appreciation to Mayor Alfredo Lim and the City of Manila and the Philippine Navy, especially the invaluable efforts of Vice Admiral Ferdinand S. Golez, Flag Officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy for the hospitality extended to the Royal Thai Navy during their visit.

As Friends of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy is honoured by the presence of Armed Forces of the Philippines? dignitaries here tonight. Be assured that Team Thailand in the Philippines will work hand-in-hand with the AFP to enhance our cooperation even more closer.

On this note, I am confident that these military activities will further contribute to the increased cooperation and goodwill as well as re-affirm the close ties of friendship between Thailand and the Philippines. You can be assured that the Royal Thai Embassy is always ready to support such activities, particularly, this overseas training for naval cadets which will add to the closer network and familiarization between our two navy. ?

Distinguished Guests,
Honourable colleagues, this goodwill mission evidently serves as a testament to the close relations between our two countries and peoples, particularly in enhancing people-to-people contacts, and more opportunities of activities and networking between our two armed forces, especially as Thailand and the Philippines celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our Diplomatic Relations throughout this year. Further, adding value to this celebration was the educational and familiarization visit of the Royal Thai Air Force in the Philippines last? 25-26 February and the visit of the Air Force cadets and the visit of General Songkitti Jaggabatara, Chief of Defense Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces during? 2-4 March 2009,? as well as through cultural diplomacy particularly the Puppet Theatre Show held in Manila last 26 February to name a few.

Further, the Royal Thai Embassy looks forward to the upcoming visit of Admiral Khamthorn Pumhiran, Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Navy this May.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to present plaques of appreciation to the outstanding naval officers for their successful operational visit, which without their efforts will not be made possible, namely:

• Rear Admiral Montri Srakaew, Unit Commander of HTMS Taksin and HTMS Bangpakong,
• Captain Samarn Khunthaphong, Commanding Officer of HTMS Bangpakong, and
• Captain Ruangsan Buaphuak, Commanding Officer of HTMS Taksin.

Thank you very much, welcome aboard and I hope you all enjoy the reception tonight. Mabuhay!