HMS ‘Spey’ visit to ramp up regional naval ties

The British vessel HMS Spey, which recently arrived at the Royal Thai Navy’s port in Sattahip, is here as part of the British government’s Indo-Pacific strategy of forging closer ties between two different regions.

“[Our mission is] to build relationship and friendship throughout the region, particularly with militaries and other navies,” Michael Proudman, Commander in Chief of HMS Spey, told the Bangkok Post.

“We can train and work together to provide maritime security, safeguard the environment on marine biodiversity, humanitarian aid and disaster relief work, or any other important part of my ship’s mission out in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Before arriving in Thailand, the vessel stopped at Yokohama in Japan, Pyeongtaek City in South Korea, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, said…