Thailand proposes setting up ASEAN Search & Rescue Center

NAYPYITAW, MYANMAR, September 25 (TNA) - Thailand has proposed the establishment of the ASEAN Search & Rescue Center, a regional command for all member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to assist disaster victims in the 10-member bloc. Thai Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong raised the idea when addressing the 11th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (AACC) in Naypyitaw, Myanmar's capital, on Thursday. In his speech on search and rescue issues, Air Chief Marshal Prajin, who is new Thai Transport Minister and a deputy chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said ASEAN needs to be aware that the problems of aircraft facing disasters and going missing have impacts on regional security, air transport and prosperity. Air Chief Marshal Prajin told the regional forum that Thailand, therefore, wants to propose the establishment of the ASEAN Search & Rescue Center, pointing out that the idea could begin with the formation of a committee and a working group to first work out the structure of the regional search and rescue center. The Thai air force chief also proposed that ASEAN air forces exchange visits of their international coordinators annually to integrate information, follow up relevant situations and enhance regional rescue capabilities in cases of aircraft in troubles and other disasters. The 11th AACC, held from September 24-26 and chaired by Myanmar Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Khin Aung Myint, is aimed at exchanging views on defence cooperation for the sake of peace and prosperity in the ASEAN Community (AC), set to be formed by the end of 2015. (TNA)