SINGAPORE, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Naval forces from Singapore and Thailand started their biennial Exercise Singsiam at Singapore's Changi Naval Base Wednesday.

    According to a statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Defense, the nine-day exercise involves three ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and two ships from the Royal Thai Navy.

    Comprising a sea phase and two shore phases, this year's Exercise Singsiam will also include a maritime surveillance and tracking exercise for the first time.

    Hosted by the RSN, this year's exercise will be conducted at both the Changi Naval Base and the Sattahip Naval Base in Thailand.

    "Exercise Singsiam serves to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies, and underscores the close and longstanding defence ties between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces," the statement said.

    Inaugurated in 1981, this year's exercise is the 14th in the series, which has expanded in scope and complexity over the years. Enditem