The Prime Minister inspected the Special Operations Naval Fleet training, observed the combat capabilities of naval equipment, and reaffirmed readiness to protect maritime security and assist citizens during disasters.
On 27 August 2026 at 09:45, in the upper Gulf of Thailand area, Sattahip district, Chonburi province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, inspected the Special Operations Naval Fleet training to monitor the readiness and capabilities of the Royal Thai Navy in carrying out missions, including the potential of naval equipment for maritime security operations. He was accompanied by Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
Upon arrival at the Royal Thai Navy Aviation Base, U-Tapao Fleet Base, Admiral Phairoj Fuangjan, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, reported and invited the Prime Minister to inspect the honor guard. The Prime Minister then received honorary insignia to express gratitude, honor, and recognition of contributions to the Navy. He was awarded honorary Special Combatant and Naval Paratrooper insignia, as was Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence. The Prime Minister's Secretary-General also received honorary naval paratrooper insignia from Admiral Korawit Chayarothee, Commander of the Fleet. Afterwards, the Prime Minister received a briefing.
The Prime Minister and entourage proceeded to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, anchored at sea, to observe the Royal Thai Navy's 2026 training. The Prime Minister was saluted on the flight deck, then attended a briefing in the operations center. After the briefing, he watched a 19-gun salute fired from the HTMS Chao Phraya.
Next, the Prime Minister went to the Air Traffic Control Tower to observe a demonstration of coastal fire support with ship artillery and aircraft, including the use of HTMS Chakri Naruebet as a control base for unmanned vehicles conducting surveillance, targeting, and attack missions (UXV Carrier). He then visited the UAV and USV exhibition on the aircraft storage deck, reflecting the application of modern technology to enhance military operational efficiency and maritime security.
The Prime Minister signed the visitor's book, writing, "From inspecting the Special Operations Naval Fleet training and visitingHTMS Chakri Naruebet,today, I am deeply impressed by the dedication and professionalism of all personnel. I commend and encourage all forces in defending Thailand's sovereignty, security, and peace forever. The Royal Thai Navy is the pride of the nation."
After completing the Navy training inspection, the Prime Minister and entourage proceeded to Naval Training Area 15 (Hat Yao) to visit the Navy's Incident Command Center (ICC), part of the 2026 training to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. The focus is on enabling rapid and effective Navy assistance to the public during crises or disasters.
The Prime Minister received a briefing and inspected three key operational units: 1) the field hospital from Queen Sirikit Naval Medical Department, 2) the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, and 3) the Science Operations Unit from the Naval Science Department. The Navy's land disaster relief task force supports the Navy's disaster relief center mission to assist prevention and mitigation efforts in line with the government's national disaster prevention and mitigation plan.
The 2026 Royal Thai Navy training is the Navy's most important exercise, aligned with the "Year of Navy Combat Readiness" policy. The training simulates real combat where victory is mandatory. It aims to test personnel readiness, strategic planning and command, naval and air operations, and the use of forces and equipment in various situations, including both conventional and unconventional operations, to ensure effective application in real missions.
The training and ICC establishment demonstration showcase the Navy's capacity and capability to integrate personnel, equipment, and management to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, especially rapid and efficient aid to the public during crises or disasters.
