Parliamentary Committee Demands Answers from Royal Thai Navy Over Phalanx CIWS Issues

According to a report by Matichon Online, the House Committee on Military Affairs has formally requested that the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) provide a detailed explanation regarding the operational status of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) installed on the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej. The committee raised concerns following reports that the system is currently non-functional due to a lack of available spare parts.

Lawmakers have set a 14-day deadline for the Navy to submit a comprehensive report addressing these maintenance shortcomings. The committee has further indicated that if the response is deemed unsatisfactory or if the issues remain unresolved, they may refer the matter to the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand (OAG) for a formal investigation into the procurement and maintenance management of the equipment.

For residents and travelers, this development highlights ongoing parliamentary oversight regarding military readiness and public fund management. While the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej is a significant naval asset, the current status of its defensive systems does not directly impact civilian travel or daily life in Thailand. It remains to be confirmed whether the Navy will meet the 14-day deadline and what specific technical or budgetary constraints have led to the reported shortage of spare parts for this critical defense system.