Thai Defense Minister initiates “ASEAN Fleet”

BANGKOK, May 30 (TNA) - Thai Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat said Wednesday that he proposed ASEAN member countries to form a joint fleet to assist the United Nations in humanitarian missions, during the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Cambodia from May 29 and 30. Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol told reporters that he made the proposal to the meeting as he saw that many ASEAN countries have similar military aircrafts; so they could form a joint fleet so called “ASEAN Fleet” and offer help to the United Nations in order to strengthen and expand ASEAN's roles on international arena. He said the ASEAN fleet could also be used for humanitarian operations in South East Asian region. According to the defense minister, the meeting accepted his proposal for consideration. (TNA)