CHON BURI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected a Royal Thai Navy exercise in the Gulf of Thailand on Wednesday, visiting the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet and signaling that the government may procure additional weapons and military equipment to replace aging assets.
Anutin traveled to Sattahip district to observe the Joint Task Fleet exercise in the upper Gulf of Thailand and at the navy’s training area at Hat Yao.
He was welcomed by Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Pairoj Fuangchan and senior navy commanders.
After arriving at the Naval Aviation Division at U-Tapao, Anutin inspected an honor guard before boarding a helicopter to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, which was deployed offshore.
On board, he received briefings on the operational situation and the navy’s force deployment plans at the ship’s operations center. A 19-gun salute was fired from HTMS Chao Phraya as part of the reception.
Anutin later watched demonstrations of naval gunfire and air support, as well as the use of the HTMS Chakri Naruebet as a base for unmanned systems — described by the navy as a “UXV Carrier” — for surveillance, target designation and attack missions.
He also viewed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) displayed on the ship’s aircraft deck, highlighting the navy’s efforts to integrate newer technology into military operations and maritime security.
Speaking to reporters after the exercise, Anutin said he was inspecting the navy’s readiness at the invitation of the navy chief and planned to visit all branches of the armed forces.
He said the navy was generally well equipped but some additional procurement would be necessary because certain existing systems were approaching retirement.
“Some of what we have needs to be supplemented because some equipment is nearing retirement,” Anutin said, adding that the government and military commanders would need to discuss how to strengthen the armed forces amid heightened security and sovereignty concerns.
Asked whether the navy’s ships were becoming outdated, Anutin said replacement would have to be carried out gradually.
He stressed that recent security operations had demonstrated the need for the navy to maintain credible capabilities.
“If we have strong military power, an adversary will have to think about whether it wants to confront us,” he said.
Anutin also said the navy’s role extended beyond combat operations, including protecting sovereignty, supporting people during disasters and providing assistance during emergencies.
The exercise also focused on developing the HTMS Chakri Naruebet as a UXV Carrier, allowing it to serve as a command, control and support platform for unmanned systems conducting patrols, surveillance, search and target designation.
The navy said the systems used in the exercise included technologies developed by its own researchers. Testing them in real training conditions is intended to improve the systems and support the development of Thailand’s domestic defense industry.
The exercise also featured the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, a high-capability frigate and one of the navy’s principal combat vessels. It demonstrated surveillance, target identification and engagement, command and control, and joint operations with other ships, aircraft and military units.
The navy said high-capability frigates serve as a core element of naval forces, providing air defense, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, as well as data integration and maritime operational control.
However, Thailand currently has a limited number of frigates with such capabilities, while neighboring countries and other regional powers are rapidly expanding their naval forces and military technology.
Anutin was also asked about his recent inspections of military readiness along the border and criticism from Cambodia.
He said Thailand was acting in accordance with the Joint Statement, under which both sides should remain in their current positions.
“If they follow the Joint Statement too, it will lead to discussions. But if they don’t, I don’t know how we can hold discussions,” he said.
Anutin declined to disclose which weapons or equipment the navy might urgently need, saying such details should be discussed with the navy commander and that the government should not reveal all of its military capabilities.