BANGKOK, 5 June 2015 – The Ministry of Defense has reported the progress of Operation Center for Patrol and Humanitarian Assistance to Irregular Migrants in the Indian Ocean. The center’s sea and land patrols in the Andaman Sea found no group of illegal migrants.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Defense Maj.Gen. Khongchip Tantrawanit on Friday said seven patrol ships, led by Ang Thong and Sai Buri capital ships, were deployed by the center. The air force also patroled the sky over Phang Nga, Krabi and Satun for longer than 10 hours a day.
The Thai army is responsible for land operations to identify and check the areas where illegal migrants are staying. The Thai navy is responsible for sea operations.
The spokesman added that Thailand’s joint air patrol with the U.S. went on smoothly and efficiently. An air base was set up in Malaysia with the Thai Ministry of Defense assigning tasks and identifying target areas. The operation was scheduled to end on 11 June 2015, he said.
