Delegates from the Royal Thai Army (RTA) paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters Philippine Army on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, ahead of a scheduled bilateral exchange aimed at strengthening regional defense cooperation and civil-military operations.
The Thai delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Punnarpong Choowassawattapat, Director of the Office of Civil Affairs under the RTA’s Directorate of Civil Affairs, was received by Philippine Army Internal Auditor Brig. Gen. Roderick Balbanero.
The visit comes as the RTA delegation prepares to participate in the 7th Philippine Army–Royal Thai Army Civil Affairs Subject Matter Expert Exchange (PA-RTA SMEE). Hosted by the Philippine Army’s Civil-Military Operations Regiment, the exchange serves as a venue to deepen security dialogues, exchange best practices and foster regional cooperation among Asian neighbors.
The initiative aligns with the Philippine Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance international coordination and build stronger ties with allied armed forces in addressing common regional security challenges.