HTMS Chakri Naruebet (911) is the flagship of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and Thailand's first and only aircraft carrier, although the RTN refers to her as an "Offshore Patrol Helicopter Carrier". Based on the Spanish Navy's Príncipe de Asturias design and constructed by Spanish shipbuilder Bazán, Chakri Naruebet was ordered in 1992, laid down in 1994, launched in 1996, and commissioned into the RTN in 1997. The ship is the smallest functioning aircraft carrier in the world.
HTMS Chakri Naruebet in the South China Sea in 2001
Chakri Naruebet (top) underway with the United States Navy supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk
HTMS Chakri Naruebet at Sattahip Naval Base
HTMS Chakri Naruebet at Changi Naval Base for International Maritime Review
The Royal Thai Navy is the naval warfare force of Thailand. Established in 1906, it was modernised by the Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse (1880–1923) who is known as the father of the Royal Navy. It has a structure that includes the naval fleet, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Air and Coastal Defence Command. The RTN headquarters is at Sattahip Naval Base.
Chulachomklao Fort firing on French ships
The Siamese Expeditionary Force, Paris, 1919
HTMS Thonburi, 1938
HTMS Matchanu and HTMS Wirun, Kobe Port, 1938
