Bangkok: The Royal Thai Navy has officially decommissioned four navy ships that have served the nation for many years. This decision follows an announcement from the Ministry of Defense, which highlighted the deterioration of these vessels due to their advanced age, with the decommissioning set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, the decommissioned vessels include the HTMS Pinklao 413, a 66-year-old frigate; the HTMS Phuket 333, a fast attack gunboat that is 42 years old; the HTMS Samui 832, a 78-year-old oil tanker; and the HTMS Suriya 821, a 46-year-old navigational marking boat. Additionally, several fast river patrol boats, including LT.14, LT.110, LT.111, LT.136, and LT.144, have also been retired from service.
These ships have been instrumental in safeguarding national sovereignty and maritime interests. Despite their decommissioning, the Royal Thai Navy faces the challenge of procuring a new generation of naval forces to continue its mission of protecting the nation's sovereignty and maritime domains.