herakles
11-02-2008, 05:02
Researching this article was difficult as many references are in the Thai language. Hence I cannot claim complete accuracy of what follows.
As navies go, The Thai navy is not large. It is dwarfed by those of surrounding countries, especially Singapore and Malaysia. The last government (in which resided the Commander of the navy) has provided much financial support in recent times. Being less involved in the various on-going internal matters that beset this country, it has quietly been improving itself over many years.
The navy is based on the US model and considerable co-operation exists between these two countries. An annual fleet exercise is held every year. And much equipment originates in the USA. But as well, the Thais draw on several other countries including Britain, Australia, Israel and China. And possibly soon, Russia.
The fleet currently has 134 craft including an aircraft carrier and as well maintains the Royal Marine Corps, modelled on its American counterpart. Its main base is at Sattahip, south of Bangkok and Pattaya but there are several other bases around the country. Sattahip boasts a large dry dock.
National service training applies in Thailand (a 2 year stint) and about 27,000 recruits serve in the navy. Total strength is about 64,000 which includes the NST recruits, The Navy Air Arm with 1200 and the Marines - 20,000.
Interest in a navy started in about 1750 (2310 in Thai time) and was instigated by King Taksin the Great. He created a navy to help defeat the Burmese after their invasion and destruction of Ayutthaya. He successfully led its re-capture.
Establishment
1 aircraft carrier
10 frigates (Knox class)
7 corvettes
6 missile boats
26 Patrol boats
7 mine warfare craft
9 amphibious warfare craft
15 support ships including 9 tankers
0 submarines but purchase of two Israeli IKL500 class boats is planned
The government is determined to equip the navy with submarines and this is their current main priority. Even Vietnam has subs.
Aircraft carrier - Chakri Naruebet
Built and supplied by Spain in 1997
It is fitted with a 12 degree ski jump to enable the use of Harrier-style aircraft. In practice these are the Spanish Matador AV-8S. The carrier has a full-load displacement of 11486 tons. Its overall length is 182.6m; flight-deck waterline beam 22.5m, and full-load draught 6.2m. Maximum speed is 26 knots, with a cruise speed of 16 knots. Range is estimated to be 10000 nautical miles at 12 knots. Crew of 600. It is far from fully equipped and as such must still rely on escorts for protection.
Thailand operates about 80 Offshore oil platforms and the protection of these is seen to be a major role of the carrier.
Royal Marine Corps
They have had a chequered history, originally being a Royal Honour guard. They came into prominence during WW2. They were disbanded in 1951 but the rise of the Cold War saw them re-instated. They have served at various border disputes that erupt from time to time and are actively involved in suppressing the current instability in the south of the country. Today there is a compliment of 20,000 men.
I've kept this brief and avoided too much detail.
As navies go, The Thai navy is not large. It is dwarfed by those of surrounding countries, especially Singapore and Malaysia. The last government (in which resided the Commander of the navy) has provided much financial support in recent times. Being less involved in the various on-going internal matters that beset this country, it has quietly been improving itself over many years.
The navy is based on the US model and considerable co-operation exists between these two countries. An annual fleet exercise is held every year. And much equipment originates in the USA. But as well, the Thais draw on several other countries including Britain, Australia, Israel and China. And possibly soon, Russia.
The fleet currently has 134 craft including an aircraft carrier and as well maintains the Royal Marine Corps, modelled on its American counterpart. Its main base is at Sattahip, south of Bangkok and Pattaya but there are several other bases around the country. Sattahip boasts a large dry dock.
National service training applies in Thailand (a 2 year stint) and about 27,000 recruits serve in the navy. Total strength is about 64,000 which includes the NST recruits, The Navy Air Arm with 1200 and the Marines - 20,000.
Interest in a navy started in about 1750 (2310 in Thai time) and was instigated by King Taksin the Great. He created a navy to help defeat the Burmese after their invasion and destruction of Ayutthaya. He successfully led its re-capture.
Establishment
1 aircraft carrier
10 frigates (Knox class)
7 corvettes
6 missile boats
26 Patrol boats
7 mine warfare craft
9 amphibious warfare craft
15 support ships including 9 tankers
0 submarines but purchase of two Israeli IKL500 class boats is planned
The government is determined to equip the navy with submarines and this is their current main priority. Even Vietnam has subs.
Aircraft carrier - Chakri Naruebet
Built and supplied by Spain in 1997
It is fitted with a 12 degree ski jump to enable the use of Harrier-style aircraft. In practice these are the Spanish Matador AV-8S. The carrier has a full-load displacement of 11486 tons. Its overall length is 182.6m; flight-deck waterline beam 22.5m, and full-load draught 6.2m. Maximum speed is 26 knots, with a cruise speed of 16 knots. Range is estimated to be 10000 nautical miles at 12 knots. Crew of 600. It is far from fully equipped and as such must still rely on escorts for protection.
Thailand operates about 80 Offshore oil platforms and the protection of these is seen to be a major role of the carrier.
Royal Marine Corps
They have had a chequered history, originally being a Royal Honour guard. They came into prominence during WW2. They were disbanded in 1951 but the rise of the Cold War saw them re-instated. They have served at various border disputes that erupt from time to time and are actively involved in suppressing the current instability in the south of the country. Today there is a compliment of 20,000 men.
I've kept this brief and avoided too much detail.