Royal Thai Navy to host International Fleet Review

The event, part of Thailand 4.0, will showcase the Royal Thai Army’s future ship technology, armament and security systems, positioning the Royal Thai Army at the forefront of the regional fleets. 
58 countries have so far confirmed their attendance, while the event will attract foreign tourists, local and international investors, the CLMVT group as well as officials and naval officers from neighbouring countries. A number of performances and activities will take place throughout the event.
Admiral Paladej Charoenpool, Royal Thai Navy Deputy Commander-in-Chief, said at the moment, the world is keeping an eye on the Asean economy due to its dramatic growth and power. Thailand possesses considerable strengths in all aspects as it is the access point to all regions with economic and technological openness, he added. This is an opportunity for all participants to get to know Thailand and its powerful ship technology, which would play an important role in supporting the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor and preventing the exploitation of natural resources in Thai waters.
Similarly, Rear Admiral Samarom Chansuwan, Director General of the Department of Development, Naval Dockyard Department, serving as the head of the working group at the 4th Ship Technology for the Next Decade: Ship Tech IV, said that this event will display the largest collection of local and international modern ship technology, including the latest combat systems with high-performance machinery and equipment. The exhibition would reveal the Royal Thai Army’s growing ability to protect the country and serve as an international platform for exchanging knowledge, technology and investment ideas regarding the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), business matching, trade collaboration and joint ventures.
There will also be a special lecture series on investing in the economic corridor as part of Thailand 4.0 by renowned speakers, including Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy prime minister, Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, Uttama Savayana, minister of industry, Sontirat Sontijirawong, deputy minister of commerce and Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office while Vikrom Kromadit, chief executive officer of Amata Corporation Public Company Limited will give a dinner talk. Registration for the event is free. 
In addition, visitors can experience the Super Yacht Show, the International Fleet Review, world-class boxing matches, Chang Music Connection Concert, traditional boat chanting and a food truck caravan.
Chaichan Aiemjaroen, deputy governor of Chonburi, said under the strategic plan, Pattaya is striving towards becoming the economic hub. Thus it requires high-standard sustainable tourism, meaning that urban development must address all economic, social, infrastructure and environmental issues. Particularly, economy and tourism were intrinsically linked to each other, so it is important to develop a mutual understanding among the business participants in order to create investment initiatives. 
Ornwara Korapin, Director of Tourism Promotion Department of Pattaya, said that a working committee has been established to work with the Royal Thai Navy on security, joint activities, venues, public relations, medical and nursing care, traffic management and accommodations for the event . In addition, the Bali Hai Pier bridge in southern Pattaya beach, has been renovated to serve as the main passenger pier with a new landscape, making it visually appealing and functional. 
Beside the main event, the International Fleet Review will take place at Pattaya Bay on Monday November 20. It is estimated that there will be 15 ships from the Royal Thai Navy, over 28 ships from 18 Asean and non-Asean countries and 20 aircrafts from the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Thai Air Force participating.