Fort Thanarat – A Serious Army Base, But That’s No All

[webfact]

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Camp Thanarat is based on about 600,000 hectares of land, just before Pranburi town with the entrance on the western side of Phetchakasim Road. The base is home to around 5,000 soldiers but with their families included there is something like 20,000 people living in a small town with schools, a hospital and markets.

 

Fort Thanarat Camp is one of the largest military camps of the Royal Thai Army, developing the skills of military officers of all ranks from the highest level and for infantry cadets, it also includes an airborne assault battalion.  In early 2022, Thai and United States soldiers undertook combat training under the Cobra Gold 2022 joint military exercise.

 

Prior to Covid-19 restrictions the camp also provided opportunities for visiting groups, particularly students to get a taste of army life here with a 10 metre jump tower, cliff climbing, obstacle course and target shooting.

 

There are also some ‘extra curricula’ facilities such as a golf course and sports stadium. The sports stadium has been home to the Hua Hin City Football Club and the golf course is open to the public. The base also has a 150 strong club of cycling enthusiasts.

 

Another feature of Fort Thanarat is the Army Museum. This is a treasure trove of military memorabilia, with weaponry, uniforms, photos and murals through the ages.

 

You can see the hand held spears and swords from conflicts between old Siam and Burma. There are also exhibits of Thomson Machine Guns (1920’s), French muzzle loading muskets (1840’s), Winchester rifles (1860’s), French Mauser rifles (1900’s), German Luger pistols, rocket and grenade launchers, Smith & Western and Browning revolvers and even gas masks.

 

Outside there are retired armored army vehicles and heavy artillery. Within the camp’s compound, there is the Memorial Building of Field Marshall Sarit Thanarat, a collection of his biography, past works, clothes and personal belongings.

 

In an enclosed glass cabinet, you’ll find a very special automatic weapon.  This was used by H.M. the King Rama IX during his own army training. It’s proudly displayed and showing the royal insignia with photos of the King in action.

 

Inside the camp, there is a memorial to His Excellency Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, the 11th former Thai Prime Minister, as a place to display biographies, past works, costumes and personal items.  

 

An infantry museum exhibits various ancient weapons.  There is a wooden pavilion that the enshrines the statue His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, who reigned as HM King Rama 5.

 

The camp is on the Pranburi River to the west as a place to enjoy nature and recreation. 

 

The surrounding area has elaborate gardens and forest trees and nature study and scenic viewpoints with the Pranburi River to the west of the grounds as a natural recreation area with activities such as rock climbing, high tower jumping, shooting.  An award was made in the category of tourism promotion and development organization in the 2002 Thailand Tourism Awards. 

 

Fort Thanarat is a real army base. Not a tourist resort but well worth a day visit.  With Covid restrictions over, plans are now being developed to reopen in December with a direct line centre to enable potential visiting groups to call and inquire about activities and events.

 

Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/11/fort-thanarat-a-serious-army-base-but-thats-no-all/

 

-- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-11-10

 

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[nofarang]

This camp is really off the beaten track but a little treasure in itself. Way back in time we enjoyed picknicking on the green lush riverside meadows of the Pranburi River and even bathing in the shallow waters. The camp is well worth a visit not only for nature lovers as many places/installations can be accessed free of charge or with a small fee (swimming pool). It even has its own hospital and a small evening/night market. The camp is vast in exent. So be sure to have your own transportation. At the entrance you have to leave an id document, which you will pick up when you exit. Enjoy!

[bluebluewater]

The caddies that work the golf course certainly are not shy and, indeed, very willing!