Thailand has hosted a meeting of ASEAN military medicine specialists to facilitate exchange of knowledge and know-how in joint disaster management.

Supreme Commander Worapong Sanganetra presided over the opening of the meeting at the ASEAN Center of Military Medicine, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.

The meeting was participated by representatives from the army, navy, air force, the Royal Thai Police, military attaches from seven countries and representatives from other agencies. According to the supreme commander, the meeting would facilitate exchanges between military medical units for the purpose of enabling more efficient joint operations.

Speaking on the topic of 'Future Direction of the ASEAN Center of Military Medicine', General Worapong said systematic collaboration was needed at the regional and global levels to tackle situations arising from the rapid changes in the environment and degradation of natural resources.

The ASEAN Center of Military Medicine has, therefore, been established as a key mechanism in driving regional cooperation in military medicine, especially in times of natural disasters. The center also has a coordinating role with various organisations within the ASEAN region.-VNA