Sattahip: The Prime Minister inspected the naval task force's training exercise, commending its combat capabilities and emphasizing its readiness to safeguard maritime security and assist the public during disasters. Today at 09:45 AM, in the upper Gulf of Thailand, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the naval task force training exercise to monitor the readiness and capabilities of the Royal Thai Navy in performing its missions, as well as the potential of its equipment for maritime security missions. He was accompanied by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
According to Thai News Agency, upon arrival at the Royal Thai Navy Air Base (U-Tapao), Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, reported to and invited the Prime Minister to inspect the honor guard. Following this, the Prime Minister received insignia of proficiency to express gratitude, honor, and commendation for his contributions to the Royal Thai Navy. He was presented with the Honorary Special Forces Combatant and Honorary Royal Thai Navy Paratrooper insignia, along with Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence. The Honorary Royal Thai Navy Paratrooper insignia was also presented to the Prime Minister's Secretary by Admiral Korawit Chayarathee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Fleet. The Prime Minister then received a briefing.
The Prime Minister and his delegation proceeded to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, which was anchored at sea, to observe the Royal Thai Navy's 2026 annual exercise. The Prime Minister was honored on the flight deck, then received a briefing in the Operations Center. Following the briefing, the Prime Minister watched a 19-gun salute fired from the HTMS Chao Phraya.
The Prime Minister then proceeded to the air traffic control tower to observe a demonstration of shore-based fire support using naval and aircraft artillery, as well as the use of HTMS Chakri Naruebet as a control base for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, targeting, and attack missions (UXV Carrier). Following this, he visited an exhibition showcasing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) on the aircraft hangar, reflecting the application of modern technology to enhance military efficiency and maritime security.
The Prime Minister signed the guest book, stating: 'Following my inspection of the fleet's operational exercise and my visit to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet today, I was deeply impressed by the dedication and professionalism of all personnel. I commend and encourage all personnel in upholding the sovereignty, security, and peace of Thailand at all times. The Royal Thai Navy is the pride of the nation.'