PMA HOSTS THAI CADETS, DEEPENS ASEAN DEFENSE TIES

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) welcomed 10 cadets from Thailand’s Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) this week as part of efforts to strengthen military cooperation and develop future defense leaders across Southeast Asia.

Photo Opportunity with PMA and CRMA cadets after the Silent Drill Performance. 📸 OCPA-PMA

The Thai delegation, headed by Major Apichat Yodthong, visited the country’s premier military institution from June 15 to 19 under the annual Foreign Academy Exchange Program (FAEP) between PMA and CRMA.

During the five-day visit, the Thai cadets toured PMA facilities and installations and observed various aspects of cadet life, including academic classes, athletics, fellowship games, and daily routines. They also participated in a Cadet Subject Matter Expert Dialogue and witnessed the academy’s renowned Silent Drill Performance.

During the Silent Drill Performance of PMA cadets. 📸 OCPA-PMA

The delegation likewise visited selected sites in Baguio City as part of the cultural immersion component of the exchange program.

PMA said the annual exchange aims to strengthen partnerships between the two military academies while preparing future military leaders to respond effectively to an increasingly complex and evolving security environment.

Through academic exchanges, professional interactions, and cultural immersion, the program seeks to promote international friendship, enhance people-to-people relations, and facilitate the sharing of best practices in military training, leadership, and cadet development.

Under the reciprocal arrangement, both academies host cadet delegations to allow participants to gain firsthand exposure to each other’s training systems, traditions, and institutional practices.

A return visit by PMA cadets to Thailand is scheduled in July 2026.

PMA said the continuing exchange program underscores its commitment to strengthening cooperation with fellow ASEAN military academies while developing competent, disciplined, and professional officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.