Pattaya’s new police chief wants to erect a statue of the Father of the Thai Navy outside the Soi 9 headquarters.
Pol. Col. Sukthat Pumpunmuang chaired the Feb. 21 Police Administration Board meeting where the 1.5 million baht project was launched.
He said the statue to Adm. Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon, would be an auspicious place of worship for police and the public.
To raise funds for the shrine, Sukthat suggested producing 10,000 Prince Chumphon amulets that would be blessed by Geji monks and sold for 299 baht each.
Pol. Col. Sukthat Pumpunmuang chairs the Feb. 21 Police Administration Board meeting.
Final approval of the monument proposal, along with details of its measurements, would be settled before Abhakara Day, May 19, the date in 1923 the prince died.
The prince studied naval warfare in England and returned to Siam in the age of King Rama V to serve in the Royal Siamese Navy. He contributed significantly to the advancement and modernization of the service.
The Royal Thai Fleet traces its roots to 1923 when a unit specializing in warships was founded under the name Royal Thai Navy, reporting directly to the Ministry of Naval Officers, with three fleets consisting of gun and torpedo squadrons and warships.
It wasn’t until 1933 when the name Royal Thai Navy was changed to Royal Thai Warship, reporting directly to the Ministry of Naval Officers, until 1951, when the name was again changed to Royal Thai Fleet.
