Marines aboard Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2010, took part in a Single Marine Program trip to the Prasat Phimai in the Nakhan Ratchasima Province here Jan. 23.
The Prasat Phimai, which is a Mahayana buddhist sanctuary, was constructed between the 11th and 12th century and is believed to have been used for the king to prepare for the performance of religious ceremonies.
Although the exercise didn’t commence until Feb. 1, Marines and sailors arrived early to set up equipment as needed. In their spare time, the SMP provided them a chance to experience the local history and culture.
“The SMP will deploy with units if there are at least 300 people going for over three weeks to a location site,” said Jay Stovall, SMP coordinator deployment support for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
The Phimai National Museum was featured in the 1995 movie Mortal Kombat. The Marines who signed up for the trip had to pay 800 Baht prior to departure. The 800 Baht paid for the round trip as well as a traditional Thai meal at a local establishment near the Phimai National Museum.
“The food there was fantastic,” said Sgt. Jonathan Grams, an F/A-18 electrician for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242. “I’ve never actually seen anything like that other than on television.”
The Phimai Nation Museum was a huge site to explore for the Marines. There was an outer rectangular wall which housed the feature building called the Main Prang. The Main Prang, which is the most prominent feature of the entire structure, is made of white sandstone. It stands out the most due to its decorations of reliefs of dancing Shiva Ramayana and buddhist figures. The Main Prang was built in the 11th century.
Along with going to see the Phimai National Museum was a stop at the Ban Prasat. The Ban Prasat is an archeological excavation site as well as a local village in Thailand.
Ban Prasat village is an agricultural community, as are most villages in Thailand. What makes this one stand out above most is the excavation site which has received international awards such as the Pacific Asian Travel Association’s Gold award in 1994.
While at the Ban Prasat, Marines were able to observe open excavation sites of skeletons which were hundreds of years old and learn of the local culture.
“I got to see a lot of great stuff,” said Sgt. Matthew Orfield, VMFA (AW )-242 ordnanceman. “Not many people get to see this.”
The SMP is here to provide recreational support and to improve the quality of life while on deployment. It has already brought exciting cultural experiences to a few select Marines who were fortunate enough to partake.
“I think it’s great having the military getting to see all the different places,” said Grams. “The Marine Corps with the SMP offers a good way to get Marines out there to see all the world has to offer.”