The 2018 Pirab-Jabiru peacekeeping exercise between armies of Thailand and Australia is taking place in Thailand’s Chon Buri province to mark 20 years of the two countries’ regional engagement and commitment to peace maintenance.

Thailand's army (Source: AFP/VNA)

Thailand’s Supreme Commander Gen. Thanchaiyan Srisuwan, Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force Ray Griggs and Australian Ambassador to Thailand Paul Robillard were present at the opening ceremony on 21 May.

During the exercise, which lasts until 1 June, participants are tested by realistic scenario-based problems that reflect contemporary UN operations, including how to protect vulnerable populations, understanding peacekeepers, rights and obligations under international and domestic law, and how to maintain logistics support in austere environments.

In another event, within the 2018 Pacific Partnership exercise between Thai and US armies in Chon Buri from 19-24 May, the two sides conducted a series of interactions centred on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, along with sports and cultural exchanges with local residents.

(Source: VNA)