Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

The Royal Thai Navy has deployed naval assets, including the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet and two helicopters, to support urgent flood relief operations in Hat Yai and wider southern provinces affected by severe flooding. Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Parash Rattanachaipan confirmed on 25 November that personnel, medical teams, emergency supplies, field kitchens and drinking water are being mobilised to assist communities struggling with rising floodwaters. The deployment aims to provide immediate support to stranded residents, deliver essential goods and reinforce rescue operations in areas hit hardest by the disaster.

 

The flooding has caused significant disruption across parts of southern Thailand, prompting a rapid military response to protect public safety and maintain access to isolated areas. HTMS Chakri Naruebet departed Sattahip Naval Base on the same day, carrying helicopters and equipment to enable air transport of relief supplies into affected zones. The vessel has been selected due to its capacity to operate as a mobile base and support emergency logistics where ground access is limited by inundated roads.

 

Rear Admiral Parash explained that HTMS Chakri Naruebet can function as a floating aviation base for helicopters and drones, expanding the reach of aerial operations in the flood zone. He stated that the ship can also serve as a floating kitchen capable of producing approximately 3,000 cooked meals per day for air delivery to flood-hit communities. A medical team has been assigned to the vessel to allow it to operate as a floating hospital if required, supporting treatment and emergency care for affected residents.

 

In addition to the flagship deployment, the Navy has prepared HTMS Chang and HTMS Angthong as a second wave of assistance should further reinforcement be required. Due to the urgency of the situation, special operations teams and inflatable boats from the Naval Special Warfare Command have been dispatched, comprising 14 vessels and personnel to access areas with strong currents and rescue stranded individuals. These teams will travel via Royal Thai Air Force transport aircraft to ensure rapid arrival in the disaster zone.

 

Daily News reported that Rear Admiral Parash emphasised that the Navy will continue to carry out its mission to the fullest extent during this crisis and will remain alongside affected communities until the situation stabilises. Further deployments may be activated if conditions worsen or additional capacity is needed to support relief efforts. The operation underscores the scale of the flooding and the priority placed on safeguarding residents in southern Thailand.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The Royal Thai Navy has deployed HTMS Chakri Naruebet, two helicopters, personnel and supplies to support flood relief in Hat Yai.

• Additional vessels HTMS Chang and HTMS Angthong are prepared for a second deployment if required.

• Special operations teams with 14 inflatable boats will be transported by air to assist stranded residents in high-risk areas.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-26

 

 

 

Only two helicopters?!?!?!

 

More military resources were recently deployed along the Cambodian border to halt the "invasion".

 

Parts if Southern Thailand are major disaster areas - transportation systems flooded, two major hospitals have no electricity (need fuel to get generators running again), etc.

 

And this is the best that the Navy can do?

 

I’m relieved to know that the Thais will also soon have a new submarine to assist those in Hat Yai. 

When you see how much wealth politicisns in Thailand have accured over the years and the pubilc volunteers are required to contribute to save lives and property while government assistanct is often too little too late. 

Most politicians use disarster areas as a photo oppitunity nothing else. 

3000 generals have booked for a trip to the south for a one day photo op.

Considering the carrier has been static for years I am impressed that it can be brought up to operational state so quickly. Any evidence that it is on station and its location?

1 hour ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Considering the carrier has been static for years I am impressed that it can be brought up to operational state so quickly. Any evidence that it is on station and its location?

 

On 11/26/2025 at 4:04 AM, Georgealbert said:

The Royal Thai Navy has deployed naval assets, including the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet and two helicopters, to support urgent flood relief operations in Hat Yai and wider southern provinces affected by severe flooding.

If only they had some submarines....

It wont work.

On 11/26/2025 at 4:04 AM, Georgealbert said:

The Royal Thai Navy has deployed naval assets, including the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet and two helicopters, to support urgent flood relief operations in Hat Yai

 

 

Good news, at least it will keep them away from Cambodian waters!

Dropping food from a slick just breaks when it hits a hard surface.

Seems obvious

No way that aircraft carrier moves an inch and the waters in the south are too shallow for it to get close enough to do any good. An armada of inflatable boats would do more good

In today's money, this relict of almost 40 years finally might come to a good use as a helicopter platform and a hot kitchen. Aircraft which could be used for this carrier are not available for a long time already - another plunder of the navy of the finest order. 

Unknown though is the revenue it earned as a souvenir photo spot in Sattahip for children and (Thai-only) adults; due to the strategic nature and confidentiality non-Thais were refused access to avoid, that naval secrets of the admirals would be ending in the wrong hands. 

Let's see what they will do with the three sub-marines they bought without observing that the Germans would not supply engines. 

As long as there is no absolute transparency, those geeks in uniform are more than challenged to work and spend money for not-only country purposes ... maybe? 

UPDATE
Navy Carrier Begins Mass Meal Relief in Hat Yai Floods