PATTAYA, Thailand – The Ministry of Defense has announced the decommissioning of four Royal Thai Navy vessels effective October 1, 2025, citing deterioration and the end of service life. The ships include HTMS Pinklao, a frigate that has served for 66 years; HTMS Phuket, a gun attack patrol craft with 42 years of service; HTMS Samui, an oiler that has operated for 78 years; and HTMS Suriya, a buoy tender with 46 years in service.
In addition, five river patrol boats — L.14, L.110, L.111, L.136, and L.144 — will also be retired, several of which have been in service for more than five decades.
The Royal Thai Navy praised the vessels for their long-standing role in protecting maritime sovereignty and national interests, describing the retirements as the close of a historic chapter in naval operations.
