The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) frigate HTMS Naresuan has reportedly suffered damage to its torpedo launcher and life rafts following a recent naval exercise at the Map Ta Phut industrial estate.
RTN Spokesperson Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin said the incident occurred on July 26 as the frigate was leaving the port after participating in the “Naval Security Port and Ship Map Ta Phut Exercise 2023” (NASMEX 2023), a three-day exercise aimed at testing the readiness of defense systems against potential maritime threats.
According to Adm Pokkrong, the damage occurred when the starboard side of the frigate accidentally struck the corner of the port wall. No casualties were reported. In response to the incident, a committee has been established to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the cause of the accident. Naval experts are meanwhile assessing the extent of the damage sustained by the frigate.
The HTMS Naresuan frigate is part of the Naresuan-class, a series of vessels jointly designed by the Royal Thai Navy and China. The two frigates in the class, HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin were commissioned in December 1994 and October 1995, respectively, and are recognized as among the RTN’s most advanced and heavily-armed surface ships.
The Naresuan-class frigates were also equipped with Western engines and weapons systems, allowing for enhanced capabilities. China provided Thailand with a discounted ‘friendship’ price of about two billion baht for the construction of the two frigates, significantly less than the 8 billion baht cost of western-built counterparts.
With a displacement of approximately 3,000 tons at full load and a complement of 150 personnel, the Naresuan-class frigate is also equipped with a helicopter deck and armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles. (NNT)
