BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Phairoj Fuengchan stressed once again that this year remains designated as the Navy’s “Year of Combat Readiness,” with accelerated development in four key areas and a major push toward drone‑based warfare supported by upgraded naval platforms and reinforced artillery units.
Speaking after a merit‑making ceremony marking the 119th anniversary of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Phairoj said the Navy has continually modernized over its 119-year history, both in organizational structure and operational technology. He reaffirmed that maintaining full combat readiness continues to be the top strategic priority, built on four pillars: personnel, materiel, tactics, and management.
For personnel, the Navy is intensifying training to ensure officers and sailors can respond to new and emerging threats. Under materiel, he said clear directives have been issued to study technological upgrades, including a plan to convert HTMS Chakri Naruebet into a full UXV platform—integrating UAVs, USVs, and UUVs. The Navy is examining what modifications and acquisitions would be required, including the possible need for up to 24 UAVs for operations.
Although drone systems will play a growing role, Admiral Phairoj emphasized that surface ships and submarines remain essential as mobile bases capable of rapid deployment into contested areas. The Navy is also expanding unmanned aerial capabilities on ships and within land-based patrol units to increase safety and situational awareness during operations.
Rear Admiral Parutch Rattanachaipan, Navy spokesperson, added that using Chakri Naruebet as a floating drone-base remains under active study. Any drone unit assigned to the ship would include armed UAVs such as the “Marcus” system alongside other models.
Regarding the temporary suspension of public visits to Chakri Naruebet, Rear Adm. Parutch explained that several major vessels are currently in a heightened state of readiness under the Chakrabongse Phuwanart contingency plan. He said whether the plan will be activated remains uncertain, but the Navy must be fully prepared amid rising regional tensions, which justifies the halt in public access.
Asked about readiness along the Chanthaburi–Trat frontier amid tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border, Admiral Phairoj said forces established after the last “Trat Suppression Operation” remain fully deployed. Units that had rotated out have already returned, including Schiebel surveillance drones now operating in the area. Artillery strength has also been brought to full levels, with one artillery company per province equipped with both 155 mm and 105 mm guns. He stressed this buildup is strictly defensive and aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty, in close coordination with the Army’s 1st and 2nd Regional Commands. (TNA)
