The Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command in Phuket has been called into action to help co-ordinate a multi-national humanitarian assistance and rescue training scenario off Phuket.

Armed with large-scale rescue experience from the Asian tsunami, which hit Phuket on Boxing Day in 2004, the Thai Navy has been called upon to help simulate disaster scenarios for training purposes.

Disaster relief professionals from more than 20 countries are due to take part in the upcoming training operation led by the US Navy

Third Navy Area commander Chumphon Arewong met US Pacific Fleet Commander and Executive Director for Plans and Policy Mr William J. Wesley at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa this week to discuss plans for the Open Training Rescue operation.

The humanitarian operations exersise is designed to foster exchange of knowledge and to give hands-on experience in preparation for real disasters.