NAVY representatives from 24 countries gathered at a Phuket resort today to discuss co-operative humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the wake of Japan's triple tragedy.

The earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant breakdown last month in Japan are likely to provide fresh lessons for those attending the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, which is held every two years.

This year's gathering at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa at Mai Khao in northern Phuket began today and will continue until Friday.

William J. Wesley, Executive Director for Plans and Policy, Commander, US Pacific Fleet, is attending. Along with Thailand and the US, nations represented are Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Tonga, Malaysia, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Russia and Vietnam.

UN bodies and four observer-status countries - India, Peru, Mexico and Bangladesh - are also be represented.

The USS Ronald Reagan, world's largest aircraft carrier, formed part of the US relief team that was sent to help Japan in the wake of the ''triple whammy'' that devastated large areas of the country.

Now the Reagan, which visited Phuket in 2009, is scheduled to anchor off Phuket shortly to allow its large crew and personnel on the accompanying battle group to take shore leave.