Chonburi: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has conducted a thorough inspection of the Royal Thai Navy's combat readiness aboard the HTMS Chakri Naruebet. Wearing his Royal Thai Navy cadet uniform, Anutin, who also holds the rank of Major General, reviewed the training of the Task Force in the upper Gulf of Thailand and at the Navy Training Ground No. 15 in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. He was warmly received by Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, along with other senior naval officers.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister traveled from Bangkok to the Naval Aviation Command at U-Tapao Fleet Base in Sattahip District by police helicopter. There, he inspected the honor guard and received honorary medals for special forces combat proficiency and naval parachuting, acknowledging the contributions of the Royal Thai Navy. Following this, he boarded a helicopter to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, anchored in the Gulf of Thailand, to observe operations and receive briefings on the current situation and force deployment in the combat operations center.
During his visit, the Prime Minister observed a demonstration of shore-based fire support using naval artillery and aircraft. He also witnessed the HTMS Chakri Naruebet's role as a control base for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in surveillance and attack missions. An exhibition showcasing UAVs and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) highlighted the integration of modern technology to enhance military efficiency and maritime security.
Despite plans to board the HTMS Ang Thong and a troop transport ship to the training ground, continuous rain and rough seas led to a change in itinerary. Instead, the Prime Minister traveled by helicopter to Haad Yao, where he visited the Incident Command Center for large-scale disaster relief. Here, he observed equipment readiness demonstrations and inter-unit integration, showcasing the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities in national defense and disaster response.
In a unique gesture, the Prime Minister showcased his culinary skills by preparing a meal for the troops participating in the training exercise. He cooked "stir-fried minced pork with basil," wearing an apron with "Prime Minister" embroidered on it. Following the naval task force training inspection, he addressed the press, emphasizing the importance of assessing the readiness of the Royal Thai Navy and supporting all branches of the armed forces to maintain national sovereignty.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the need for gradual replacements of older naval vessels and discussed the importance of military readiness and strength. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with armed forces commanders to acquire necessary equipment to bolster military security. The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about combat readiness along the border, emphasizing adherence to the Joint Statement with Cambodia to maintain peace.
The exercise underscored the development of using HTMS Chakri Naruebet as a 'UXV Carrier' for UAV operations, enhancing the Royal Thai Navy's operational range and reducing personnel risk. Some UAV systems used in the training are products of research and development by naval researchers, aiming to improve systems' efficiency and promote national self-reliance in defense.
The participation of HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej in the exercise demonstrated its capabilities in surveillance and joint operations, highlighting the role of high-performance frigates in the fleet. However, the Royal Thai Navy's limited number of such frigates contrasts with the rapid advancements in naval power by neighboring countries, indicating a need for strategic enhancements in military technology.