A Royal Thai Navy ship made a friendship call in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, boosting ties between military forces and giving Khmer officials an opportunity to voice out their concerns on Cambodian workers.
Cambodian Rear Adm. Ruwa Viyasana welcomed the Thais with flowers on May 21, when the HTMS Narathiwat, headed by Rear Adm. Pradit Siricupt, pulled into the Sihanoukville port.
Five vehicles took the Thai crew to the Sihanoukville City Hall, where Deputy Mayor Pra Sridara and Pradit met and exchanged ideas and souvenirs to help boost the relationship between the two countries.
The Thais then met Vice Adm. Ukk Sai-a at the Ream Naval Base, where they were received with a military honor.
Ukk expressed his concern on the plight of some Cambodian workers in Thailand during his meeting with Pradit. Concerns included workers who were victims of human trafficking and those who entered the Kingdom through illegal means.
In response, Pradit guaranteed that the Thai navy guards its territorial waters vigorously and checks various fishing boats to ensure that their workers are legal and free, as well as rescues those who work against their own will.
