Thai army receives 3 Russian transport choppers

Thai army soldiers demonstrate the efficiency of the Russian helicopters in transporting troops at a military barrack in Bangkok March 28, 2011. Three MI-17 V-5 helicopters from Russia costing 29.1 million U.S. dollars, were delivered to Thai army on Monday. The medium transport helicopters - to be stationed at the Army Aviation Center in Lopburi province, about 150 kilometers north of Bangkok - will be used for disaster relief missions such as extinguishing wild fire and assisting people in distress. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

BANGKOK, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Thai army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha on Monday presided over the receipt of three transport helicopters from Russia at a military barrack in the capital.

The three MI-17 V-5 helicopters cost 29.1 million U.S. dollars, including spare parts and training, the Thai army said in a statement.

The medium transport helicopters - to be stationed at the Army Aviation Center in Lopburi province, about 150 kilometers north of Bangkok - will be used for disaster relief missions such as extinguishing wild fire and assisting people in distress, the statement said.

"These transport helicopters will enhance transportation with efficiency according to the assignments," the statement said.

After the delivery ceremony, the army demonstrated to guests and reporters the efficiency of the helicopters in transporting troops.

The government is paying for the helicopters from its annual budgets from the years 2008 to 2011, the statement said.