Manila, Feb. 5 -- A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official has expressed the country's gratitude to Thailand for its continuing assistance in boosting the country's military capabilities and support for the Philippines' chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026.

Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino conveyed the Philippines' gratefulness as he received Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief Of Defense Force, Gen. Ukris Boontanondha, during his Feb. 3 visit to Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement on Thursday said.

He added that Boontanondha's visit to the Philippines was the first since he assumed the RTARF's top post last Oct...