Royal Thai Navy
| Royal Thai Navy กองทัพเรือ, ราชนาวี (RTGS: Kongthap Ruea, Ratcha Navy) |
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|---|---|
 Emblem of the Royal Thai Navy |
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| Active | 1900 |
| Country |  Thailand |
| Branch | Royal Thai Marine Corps Royal Thai Navy SEALs |
| Type | Navy |
| Size | 71,000 Active personnel Royal Thai Navy 53,000 Active personnel Marine (Naval) Infantry 18,000 Active personnel |
| Part of | Royal Thai Armed Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Bangkok |
| Motto | ร่วมเครือนาวี จักยลปฐพีไพศาล (Join the Navy to see the world) |
| Colors | Navy blue |
| Engagements | Franco-Siamese War French-Thai War (Battle of Koh Chang) Greater East Asia War Korean War Palace Rebellion Manhattan Rebellion |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-chief | Admiral Surasak Runroengrom |
| Notable commanders |
Prince Abhakara, the Prince of Chumphon Phrabat Somdet Phra Pinklao Chaoyuhua Luang Sinthusongkhramchai |
| Insignia | |
| Royal Thai Navy Flag |  |
| Naval Jack and Unit Colour | .svg) |
| Naval Ensign |  |
The Royal Thai Navy (Thai: กองทัพเรือ) is the navy of Thailand and part of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, it was established in the late 19th century. Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse (1880–1923) is "The Father of Royal Thai Navy". Similar to the organizational structure of the United States, the Royal Thai Navy includes the Naval Fleet, and the Royal Thai Marine Corps. The Royal Thai Navy operates out of Sattahip Naval Base. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country which operates an Aircraft Carrier.
The Royal Thai Navy operates in three Naval Area Commands:
- First Naval Area Command: responsible for the Northern part of Gulf of Thailand
- Second Naval Area Command: responsible for the Southern part of Gulf of Thailand
- Third Naval Area Command: responsible for the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean)
The Royal Thai Navy also has two air wings, operating 40 fixed wing aircraft and 30 helicopters from Utapao, Songkhla and Phuket. The First Royal Thai Navy wing has 4 squadrons and the Second Royal Thai Navy wing has 3 squadrons. Moreover, the Royal Thai Navy also consists of 1 Royal Thai Marine Corps division, 1 Air and Coastal Defense Division, Royal Thai Navy SEALs and 1 Riverine Patrol Regiment.
The United States Navy and Royal Thai Navy conduct the annual joint operation Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Philippines.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Command and Control
The Royal Thai Navy is commanded by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, currently Admiral Surasak Runroengrom, who was appointed in 2011. The Royal Thai Navy Headquarters is located in Derm Palace, Wang Derm Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy: Admiral Surasak Runroengrom
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy: Admiral Weerapol Kitsombat
- President, Royal Thai Navy Advisory Group: Admiral Apiwat Srivardhana
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy: Admiral Amorntep Na Bangchang
- Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Navy: Admiral Damrongsak Hoajarhun
- Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Fleet: Admiral Kanat Thongpool
[edit] List of Commanders
[edit] Fleet
The majority of the vessels of the Royal Thai Navy are from the United States (nearly half, over 50 of RTN's 130+ vessels). However, RTN also has craft from Spain, Britain, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Netherlands, People's Republic of China and Australia. Additionally, Thailand does produce many of their own vessels, in particular those of smaller displacement.
[edit] Combat vessels
| Type/Class | Country of Origin | Quantity | Name | Note |
| Aircraft carrier | ||||
| HTMS Chakri Naruebet |  Spain |
1 | HTMS Chakri Naruebet | Based on the Spanish Navy's Principe de Asturias design, Harrier fighters were retired in 2006, used as helicopter carrier.[1] |
| Frigates | ||||
| Knox class |  United States |
2 | ||
| Naresuan class |  China/ Thailand |
2 | Mid-Life Upgraded on progress with installing 8 x Mk41 VLS for RIM-162 ESSM, Saab's 9LV MK4 CMS, Sea Giraffe AMB, CEROS 200 fire control radar, EOS 500 electro-optics system, New CIWS and data link systems | |
| Chao Phraya class | China |
4 | Modernized Jianghu-class. HTMS Kraburi and HTMS Saiburi are during Mid-Life Upgraded with Type 360 Radar (SR-60A) with improved IFF, New CMS, NG12-1 Twin-barrel 100mm Naval Gun, TR47C Tracking Radar, 8 x C802A missiles [2] | |
| HTMS Makut Rajakumarn |  United Kingdom |
1 | HTMS Makut Rajakumarn | Currently used as Offshore Patrol Vessel and/or training role |
| Cannon class DE | United States |
1 | HTMS Pin Klao | Former USS Hemminger (DE-746). Currently used as training ship |
| Offshore Patrol Vessel | ||||
| Hua Hin class | Thailand |
3 | Unknown | Entered service in early 2000s[3] |
| Pattani class | China/ Thailand |
2 |
|
|
| Modified River class | United Kingdom/ Thailand |
1 | HTMS Krabi | Developed from the British River class patrol vessel; built by Bangkok Dock to a design from BAE[3] |
| Corvette | ||||
| Ratanakosin class | United States |
2 | US built PFMM Mk.16 class. During upgraded Electronic systems. | |
| Khamrosin class | Thailand |
3 | ||
| Tapi class | United States |
2 | US built PF103 Type |
[edit] Other Vessels
- Fast Attack Craft-Missile (FAC-M): 6
- Fast Attack Craft-Gun (FAC-G): 3
- Patrol boats: 62
- Amphibious assault vehicle: 14, including 1 LPD (on order), 2 LST, 2 LCU, 9 LCT
- Mine Counter Measure Vessels: 18
- Mekong River Patrol Boats: ~200 (Including 40 Mk.II class PBR)
- Fleet support ships: 21
[edit] Future fleet
[edit] Main Fleet
- Mid-life upgrade of the Naresuan Class FFG - On 3 June 2011, Saab announced[4] that it was awarded a contract for the upgrading of the two Naresuan class frigates. The scope of the upgrade will include Saab's 9LV MK4 combat management system, Sea Giraffe AMB, CEROS 200 fire control radar, EOS 500 electro-optics system and data link systems for communications with the newly acquired Royal Thai Air Force Erieye surveillance aircraft.
- Submarine procurement - In April 2011, Royal Thai Navy allocated up to 7.7 billion baht for the purpose of acquiring six used and modernized Type 206 A submarines from the German Navy[5]. However, an approval from cabinet was still pending when parliament was dissolved in May 2011[6].
- New offshore patrol vessels (OPV) - In late 2009, Royal Thai Navy announced the construction of a 2000 ton, 75m long OPV based on BAE Systems Surface Ships's Port of Spain class corvette.[7] [8] [9] The total requirement of Royal Thai Navy is four OPVs, based on this design, to be constructed in Thailand. The new OPV will be equipped with Otobreda 76 mm/62 Super Rapid main gun, 2 x DS-30M 30 mm Cannon, and 2x .50 MG with the projection to be equipped with SSM when needed[10].
- New landing platform dock ship - The Thai Cabinet approved a package of defense modernization deals in a meeting on 9 September 2008. This clears the RTN to purchase an LPD to be designed and built by ST Marine of Singapore, believed to be based on the Endurance-class LPD. The ship will be delivered in 2012 at a cost of around US$150million.[11]. The HTMS Angthong (791) was launched on the 21 March 2011.
[edit] RTN Flying Unit
- New tactical transport helicopter - In April 2006, the Thai Navy requested permission from the United States to buy six MH-60S Navy Hawks.[12] An agreement of purchase was signed in June 2007, and the first two aircraft were delivered in August 2011.[12]
- VIP and MEDEVAC aircraft - The Royal Thai Navy received a single Embraer ERJ-135 jet in late 2008, followed by an order for a second aircraft in October 2009; both aircraft were outfitted with medical evacuation kits, as well as being used for official transportation.[13]
[edit] RTN Marine Corps and SEALs
- New armored personnel carrier (APC) - RTN signed a contact to procure 96 BTR-3s from Ukraine in mid-2007, the first of which began arriving in December 2010, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011.[14]
[edit] Indigenous products
- Small patrol ship - The King of Thailand, initiated a project to build and commission a small new patrol craft, the T.991 Class in 2002. The first ship, T.991, was built in the Royal Thai Navy Dock. Another two, T.992 and T.993, was built by Mason Shipbuilding in Thailand. The first ship was commissioned on 30 April 2007.[15][16]
- Local-build OPV - On 11 November 2008, the Cabinet approveed the plan to build a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in a deal worth three billion baht ($USD 85 million). Although RTN still did not unveil the design, the vessel will be built in Mahidol dockyard in Thailand.[17]
- Underwater craft - Naval Research & Development Office of Royal Thai Navy has awarded contacts to Bangkok Dockyard Co., Ltd. to build an Underwater craft. The craft is 20 tons in displacement and cost 5 million Bath.[18]
[edit]
Coastal Defense Command was formed in 1992 under the control of the Royal Fleet Headquarters, with one coastal defense regiment (equipped with 155 mm artillery) and one air defense regiment (equipped with 40 mm and 37 mm anti-aircraft guns as well as HN-5A MANPADs). Personnel were initially drawn from the Royal Thai Marine Corps but are now being recruited directly. The First Coastal Defense Regiment is based near the Marine Corps facility at Sattahip. The First Air Defense Regiment near the Naval Air Wing at Utapao. Coastal Defense Command was greatly expanded in 1992, following the government's decision in 1988 to charge the RTN with the responsibility of defending the entire Eastern Seaboard and Southern Seaboard Development Project. The Second Air Defense Regiment, based at Songkhla, was then formed on the following year. Some analysts believe this element will eventually grow to a strength of up to 15,000[19].
- The First Air Defense Regiment; to perform an Anti-aircraft warfare on Northern Gulf of Thailand with 3 Anti-aircraft Battalions.
- The Second Air Defense Regiment; to perform an Anti-aircraft warfare on Southern Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea with 3 Anti-aircraft Battalions.
- The First Coastal Defense Regiment, having 3 Artillery Battalions.
- 2 Air and Coastal Defense Command and Control Centers.
- Air and Coastal Defense Supporting Regiment; 1 transportation battalion, 1 communication battalion, 1 maintenance battalion.
- Equipment
- QW-18 MANPADs.
- Modified PL-9 Surface-to-air missiles.
- Type 74, twin 37 mm Anti-aircraft Artillery
- Bofors 40L60 and 40L70 40 mm Anti-aircraft Artillery
- Type 59-I 130mm towed field artilleries
- GHN-45 towed howitzers
[edit] See also
- Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse Prince of Chumphon
- Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
- Military of Thailand
- Royal Thai Army
- Royal Thai Air Force
- Royal Thai Marine Corps
- Military ranks of the Thai armed forces
- Royal Thai Naval Academy
[edit] References
- ^ http://pacificwingsmagazine.com/2011/03/08/end-of-a-legend%E2%80%94harrier-farewell/
- ^ http://www.navy.mi.th/namo/images/stories/ships/Chopic.JPG
- ^ a b "Thailand to build offshore patrol vessels". Baird Maritime. 25 August 2009. Archived from the original on 7 December 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/63lK9miPp. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
- ^ "Saab receives order from Thailand regarding the upgrading of combat management system and fire control systems". Saab. 3 June 2011. http://www.saabgroup.com/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2011---6/Saab-receives-order-from-Thailand-regarding-upgrading-of-combat-management-and-fire-control-systems/.
- ^ http://news.sanook.com/1018441-กองทัพเรือเตรียมซื้อเรือดำน้ำ-คาดประจำการปี-56.html
- ^ http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/237371/navy-to-put-guards-on-thai-cargo-ships
- ^ http://thaimilitary.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/rtn-yet-another-opv-from-bvt-surface-fleet-and-more-of-t-994-996/
- ^ http://www.navy.mi.th/sctr/sound/2552/jun/snd_290652.php
- ^ http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2009/11/thales-launched-detection-for-thailand.html
- ^ http://thaimilitary.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/rtn-yet-another-opv-from-bvt-surface-fleet-and-more-of-t-994-996/
- ^ DefenseNews.com Thailand Plans $191.3M Arms Purchase
- ^ a b Defense Industry Daily Up to $246M for 6 Royal Thai Navy MH-60S Helicopters
- ^ "EMBRAER SELLS SECOND ERJ 135 JET TO THE ROYAL THAI NAVY". Aviationnews.eu. 16 October 2009. Archived from the original on 7 December 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/63kpknRWt. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
- ^ "Is it the right tool for the job?". Bangkok Post. 9 December 2010. http://www.bangkokpost.com/mail/195845/. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
- ^ Thai Military Blog ต.๙๙๑ เรือรบตามพระราชดำริ...ของกองทัพเรือไทย (Thai)
- ^ "เรือตรวจการณ์ใกล้ฝั่ง เฉลิมพระเกียรติ ๘๐ พรรษา". Royal Thai Navy. Archived from the original on 7 December 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/63ksgRil1. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
- ^ Matichon Online ครม.อนุมัติงบกว่า 3 พันล้าน ถอยเรือตรวจการใหม่ (Thai)
- ^ OA Military Book กองทัพเรือจัดสร้างยานใต้น้ำลำแรกของไทย
- ^ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/thailand/acdc.htm
[edit] External links
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