Thailand to join 1st BIMSTEC military exercise

BANGKOK, August 28 (TNA) - Thailand will participate in the upcoming military exercise among member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the first of its kind so far, which will be hosted by the Indian Army. Deputy Government Spokesman Lieutenant General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists that Thailand is now ready to send a squad of soldiers to take part in the first BIMSTEC military exercise, set to be held in India's Maharashtra State next month. "Thailand will play the role of observer when participating in next month's first BIMSTEC military drill in India", the deputy spokesman stated. The deputy spokesman announced, meanwhile, that Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha is scheduled to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit, set to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, during August 30-31, 2018. The seven-nation BIMSTEC bloc comprises of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. (TNA)