Military officials celebrated the 132nd birthday of HRH Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon considered the father of the Royal Thai Navy.
Vice Adm. Chainarong Charoenrak led the Dec. 19 commemoration at the Prince Chumphon Monument in Nongtakien Public Park in Sattahip. Religious ceremonies were performed by 10 area monks.
Soldiers sang battle hymns to remember the prince, who studied naval warfare in England and returned to Siam in the age of King Rama V to serve in the Royal Siamese Navy and contribute significantly to the advancement and modernization of the service.
Navy top brass lay a wreath at the statue of HRH Abhakara Kiartivongse, HRH the Prince of Chumphon considered the father of the Royal Thai Navy.
In addition to his career in the navy, the prince studied medicine and was particularly interested in the use of herbal medicine in treating his patients. As “Doctor Phon,” he provided medical treatment to people of all classes and races.
