Thai Prime Minister to Inspect Naval Readiness Aboard HTMS Chakri Naruebet

According to a report by Thai Post on August 19, 2026, the Prime Minister of Thailand is preparing to board the HTMS Chakri Naruebet. The visit is intended to serve as an inspection of the vessel’s capabilities as a base for maritime drone operations and to assess the overall readiness of the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet.

Government spokespeople confirmed that the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej will also participate in the demonstration. Officials emphasized that the vessel remains operational despite currently undergoing the replacement of two damaged engines. Regarding other technical issues, the government acknowledged that the Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) on the vessel is currently damaged and is undergoing repairs by a United States-based company.

For residents and travelers, this event highlights the ongoing maintenance and modernization efforts within the Thai naval fleet. While the presence of these vessels in public view may draw interest, the government has noted that investigations into the specific causes of the equipment failures are still ongoing. The exact timeline for the completion of the engine replacements and the Phalanx system repairs remains to be confirmed, as authorities await the final results of the technical assessments. The public is advised that these naval activities are part of routine readiness evaluations.