Picture courtesy of Amarin

The Royal Thai Navy has cancelled National Children’s Day activities aboard HTMS Chakri Naruebet and other naval vessels at Chuk Samet Port, Sattahip, due to the current Thai–Cambodian border situation, while maintaining Children’s Day events at multiple alternative locations nationwide. The decision affects shipboard visits but does not cancel the broader programme scheduled for Saturday, 10 January 2026.

The announcement was made on 6 January 2026. The Navy said the change was necessary in light of security concerns linked to tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border. Despite the cancellation of activities on the aircraft carrier and nearby ships, the Navy confirmed that full-scale displays of weapons and military equipment would still be showcased at other venues.

National Children’s Day activities organised by the Royal Thai Navy aim to give children and families insight into naval missions, responsibilities, and operational capabilities. Each year, the Navy opens selected units and facilities to the public, allowing hands-on learning experiences and close interaction with personnel and equipment.

In Bangkok and surrounding provinces, events will take place at the Royal Thai Naval Academy in Samut Prakan. Activities include visits to naval vessels and helicopters, exhibitions of military hardware such as AAVP-7 amphibious vehicles, V-150 armoured vehicles, armed Humvees with TOW missiles and demonstrations by the Navy SEALs and the Marine Corps.

Additional attractions include exhibitions on sea turtle conservation, hydrography and navigation tools, nuclear, biological and chemical warfare awareness, unmanned aerial vehicles, health consultation services, military working dog demonstrations and educational guidance from the Naval Academy. Visitors can also attend events at the Naval Museum in Samut Prakan and Phra Chulachomklao Fort in Phra Samut Chedi District, featuring music performances, ceremonial guards, historical exhibits, and food and refreshments.

In the Eastern Region, the Fleet Command confirmed the cancellation of activities aboard HTMS Chakri Naruebet and other ships at Chuk Samet Port. Instead, Children’s Day events will be held at the Naval Aviation Museum, Royal Thai Fleet, in Phla Subdistrict, Ban Chang District, Chonburi, from 08.00 to 14.00, with attendees required to carry official identification for security screening.

Amarin reported that further events are scheduled in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, as well as at numerous naval units nationwide, including Sattahip Naval Base, Songkhla Naval Base, Phuket Deep Sea Port and Mekong River security units in several northeastern provinces. The Navy confirmed that all activities will proceed under enhanced security measures.

Key Takeaways

• The Royal Thai Navy cancelled Children’s Day activities aboard HTMS Chakri Naruebet due to the Thai–Cambodian border situation.

• Alternative Children’s Day events with full military displays will proceed across multiple regions on 10 January 2026.

• Security measures, including ID checks, will be enforced at selected venues.

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RTAF-to-showcase-f-16s-gripens-on-childrens-day-Jan-10

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-08

 

 

Excuses excuses excuses.

Children's day = full-scale displays of weapons and military equipment - preventive juvenile delinquency🤔

Felt

The Thai armed forces are so mighty they even wage war on children. It is this mentality that forbids passenger taking photos through plane windows at U-Tapao. Seemingly the admirals have never heard of Google Maps/Earth. I am surprised at the photo of HTMS Chakri Naruebet at sea. I thought this old rust-bucket and waste of millions was eternally moored in Sattahip to serve as a floating hotel for seamen (no jokes please).

35 minutes ago, Felt 35 said:

Children's day = full-scale displays of weapons and military equipment

Yep brilliant, loved playing with guns and tanks on display as a kid in the UK, couldnt get enough of it. So good, I joined the military when I was old enough.

This isn't a new concept......

24 minutes ago, mikebell said:

The Thai armed forces are so mighty they even wage war on children.

Being a bit of a drama Queen there I think.

22 hours ago, sungod said:

Being a bit of a drama Queen there I think.

As an ex-soldier you're duty bound to defend the military unless it's the Thai military that has usurped the democratic governments consistently over years. Is that too dramatic enough for you?

Report forgets to mention: off limits to any foreigners.

7 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Report forgets to mention: off limits to any foreigners.

Sort of goes without saying really! So beware of driving down North Rd on Saturday morning, because you can't!

Post changing a quote from English removed.

@Texas ranger rule 16. English is the only permitted language anywhere on ASEAN NOW, except within the Thai language forum, where using Thai is allowed. Short Thai translations of technical terms are permitted in specialty forums. While we make allowances for members who do not speak English as their first language, we expect everyone to make an effort to post in a manner that allows others to understand their posts. As an international forum we have members from many countries in the world, and English is not the first language of every poster.

4 hours ago, mikebell said:

As an ex-soldier you're duty bound to defend the military unless it's the Thai military that has usurped the democratic governments consistently over years. Is that too dramatic enough for you?

Not dramatic at all, on reflection I'm not sure if accusing the Thai military of waging war on children is too dramatic or just plain dumb?

Am aircraft carrier with no aircraft may raise some giggles.

5 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Report forgets to mention: off limits to any foreigners.

Is that so?

The lazy Thai navy personal aboard that ship just wanted another day off. Shame on them.

When did the carrier return to port after its voyage down south in support of flood victims?

2 hours ago, CLW said:

Is that so?

It has always been in the past at least for visit on military areas, ships etc.

4 hours ago, sungod said:

Not dramatic at all, on reflection I'm not sure if accusing the Thai military of waging war on children is too dramatic or just plain dumb?

So you've given up defending the Thai military who declared war on the population several times in the past decades by dismissing their chosen Government. The children of such voters are now grandparents.

We’re planning to take the boy to the air show at Don Muang air base. Let’s see how it goes. F16 fly-by is supposed to be the highlight.

15 hours ago, mikebell said:

So you've given up defending the Thai military who declared war on the population several times in the past decades by dismissing their chosen Government. The children of such voters are now grandparents.

Answer the question regarding that totally ridiculous statement you made about the military 'waging' war on children.

I wont be able to reply for a while, I'm off down city hall to let my kids climb all over tanks and play with guns. Catch u later.

12 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

We’re planning to take the boy to the air show at Don Muang air base. Let’s see how it goes. F16 fly-by is supposed to be the highlight.

If you have time and haven't been before, also make a visit to the RTAF Museum (on the Don Mueang air base, accessed via Phahonyotin Road). A lot of aircraft to look at and used to have several inside and out where kids could clamber around in the cockpit etc.

3 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

If you have time and haven't been before, also make a visit to the RTAF Museum (on the Don Mueang air base, accessed via Phahonyotin Road). A lot of aircraft to look at and used to have several inside and out where kids could clamber around in the cockpit etc.

Agreed we have been and will go again. Not only do they have all the planes, jets, and helicopters on display you can get a shuttle bus to the best viewing point for the airshow today. It is really well run and has several English speaking officers to help you.

2 hours ago, marin said:

Agreed we have been and will go again. Not only do they have all the planes, jets, and helicopters on display you can get a shuttle bus to the best viewing point for the airshow today. It is really well run and has several English speaking officers to help you.

Yeah we are now there. Quite interesting. F16 coming up soon! 🛩️

8 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Yeah we are now there. Quite interesting. F16 coming up soon! 🛩️

Just sent you a PM. Have fun, its the best day of the year for it.

4 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

Yeah we are now there. Quite interesting. F16 coming up soon! 🛩️

It's not the missing Korean one, is it? 🙂

On 1/8/2026 at 4:04 AM, Georgealbert said:

National Children’s Day activities organised by the Royal Thai Navy aim to give children and families insight into naval missions, responsibilities, and operational capabilities.

Wait, does the Chakri Naruebet actually have any missions, responsibilities, and operational capabilities?

They recently sent it to the south to help out with the floods...a floating kitchen provided thousands of meals per day apparently ?

On 1/10/2026 at 8:15 AM, sungod said:

Answer the question regarding that totally ridiculous statement you made about the military 'waging' war on children.

I wont be able to reply for a while, I'm off down city hall to let my kids climb all over tanks and play with guns. Catch u later.

I can see you don't understand 'metaphor' so we'll have to agree to disagree. Have a nice day, hopefully your kids don't catch the War virus sweeping the World at the moment.

The Navy and Airforce from U Tapau and Sattahip do a lot for the youngsters all year round, not just children's day, kudos to them!

On 1/11/2026 at 9:04 AM, mikebell said:

I can see you don't understand 'metaphor' so we'll have to agree to disagree. Have a nice day, hopefully your kids don't catch the War virus sweeping the World at the moment.

nice back track...

On 1/11/2026 at 3:32 AM, LennyW said:

The Navy and Airforce from U Tapau and Sattahip do a lot for the youngsters all year round, not just children's day, kudos to them!

Examples?