THE Defence Ministry and Thai navy today (Aug. 26) clarified that USS Abraham Lincoln’s stopover in Thailand during Sept. 2-6 is not related to the Iran conflict with ammunition or other supplies not being loaded and the country is ready to receive ships from all nations equally, TV Channel 7 said.
RADM Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, said that the visit is not related to any joint training or operations of the Thai navy but is a rest and recreation stopover for the crew after completing 250-day mission in the Middle East, which caused some stress.
Thailand is considered one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the world, and the US aircraft carrier sees importance of visiting Thailand before returning to its US naval base.
RADM Surasan underscored that online media speculation of a joint operation being undertaken is unfounded.
“I deny any joint operations. Everything is in accordance with the agreements between Thailand and the United States. Furthermore, US ships have visited Thailand for rest stops on several occasions in the past,” he said.
Regarding security measures during the visit, RADM Surasan stated that Thai police and military police, along with US military personnel sent to oversee their own forces, will provide security. This is similar to the Cobra Gold military exercise, which involves troops from various countries, including the US. He added that detailed laws and regulations of the country must be followed and US personnel cannot do whatever they want. This is something the US emphasises to its personnel as well.
When asked whether the ship’s visit to Thailand after completing its Middle East mission would cause problems with Iran, RADM Surasan stated that it is unlikely to be a binding issue. The visit is in accordance with the agreements between Thailand and the US and is not related to the Middle East.
Maj. Gen. Witai Laythomya, the Thai armed forces spokesperson, added that Thailand is not providing ammunition or other supplies because it would be dangerous to do so. This is about rejuvinating the crew.
The Thai navy further emphasised that Thailand responds equally to requests to dock by all countries, whether it be the United States, China, or Russia and Thailand is happy to cooperate with all countries. No country receives anything special more than the other.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails the Pacific Ocean. Photo – Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerome D. Johnson/US Navy and published by CNN
Insert: RADM Surasan Kongsiri with an image of USS Abraham Lincoln in the background. Photo – TV Channel 7
Earlier report
3 US Navy Carrier Strike Group ships heading for Thailand for a short visit
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