The Chinese Navy’s 83rd Fleet docked at a port in Chon Buri province on Thursday morning to promote bilateral relations between China and Thailand.
The fleet, known as Pasan, arrived at Chuk Samet Port in Sattahip district around 9.30am. Chinese members were welcomed by over 20 Thai naval personnel led by Adm Korawit Chayarathi, commander of the Royal Thai Fleet; RAdm Suraphak Cherdpard, director of the Port of Sattahip; and Chinese ambassador Zhang Jianwei.
The visit was part of a maritime training session for over 1,000 Chinese cadets, aimed at enhancing navigation experience and strengthening navy-to-navy relations between China and Thailand.
The fleet includes the training ship No. 83 ‘Qi Jiguang,’ with a displacement of 9,000 tonnes, a length of 165.3 metres and a top speed of 22 knots, as well as the warfare ship No. 988 ‘Yi Menshan,’ with a displacement of 25,000 tonnes, a length of 210 metres and a top speed of 25 knots.
This visit was of particular significance because it marked the first time the Chinese fleet allowed public visits on their ships. People could tour the ships between 10.30 am and 11.30 am and again from 2.30pm to 5pm daily until Sunday.
On Monday, a farewell ceremony was scheduled before the fleet departed for Singapore and Malaysia.
During their stay, friendship exchange activities between the two navies were held. Prior to arriving in Thailand, the Pasan fleet had docked at Sihanoukville port in Cambodia on Oct 10.