Anutin inspects Royal Thai Navy drill off Sattahip

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected a Royal Thai Navy task force exercise in the Upper Gulf of Thailand off Sattahip, Chonburi, on 27 August 2026.

The visit focused on the Navy's operational readiness, maritime-security equipment and its capacity to assist people during disasters, according to government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and Interior Ministry permanent secretary Arsit Sampantharat accompanied Anutin on the visit.

Visit begins at U-tapao naval airfield

On arrival at the Naval Aviation Division of the Fleet at U-tapao, Anutin was received by Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan, the Royal Thai Navy commander-in-chief, before inspecting an honour guard.

Anutin and Defence Minister Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen received honorary special warfare and Navy parachutist proficiency badges. The prime minister's secretary-general received an honorary Navy parachutist badge.

The badges were presented by Admiral Korawit Chayarotee, commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, before the delegation received a briefing.

Drones and naval firepower demonstrated

Anutin and his party then travelled to the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet, stationed at sea, to observe the Navy's 2026 annual exercise.

After receiving honours on the flight deck and attending a briefing in the operations centre, the prime minister watched a 19-round salute fired by the frigate Chao Phraya.

From the carrier's flight-control tower, he observed a demonstration of shore-support fire using naval guns and aircraft. The Chakri Naruebet was also shown operating as a control platform for unmanned vehicles used for surveillance, target designation and attack missions, described as a UXV Carrier.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The delegation later viewed displays of unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned surface vessels on the ship's aircraft storage deck. The government said the equipment demonstrated the application of modern technology to military operations and maritime security.

In the visitors' book, Anutin praised personnel's dedication and professionalism, writing that the Royal Thai Navy was "the pride of the nation". He encouraged all service members in protecting Thailand's sovereignty, security and peace.

Disaster response also on agenda

After the naval exercise, Anutin's group travelled to Naval Training Area No. 15 at Hat Yao to visit the Navy's Incident Command Center, which provides assistance to disaster victims and reviewed a number of natural disaster training exercises.

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28 August 2026

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