Thailand’s Aircraft Carrier “HTMS Chakri Naruebet”: From Naval Pride to Public Punchline
The construction of the HTMS Chakri Naruebet spanned five years, culminating in 1997. With this achievement, Thailand became the only nation in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, a singular asset that underscored the country's naval capabilities.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) —In the late 1980s, the Royal Thai Navy sought a potent emblem of its maritime prowess within Southeast Asia, leading to the decision to commission an aircraft carrier.
By 1992, Thailand had initiated the construction of the HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH-911), an investment valued at approximately US$285 million (RM1.14 billion).
The vessel’s name, which translates to “Sovereignty of the Chakri Dynasty,” signifies the enduring legacy of Thailand’s ruling dynasty.
The construction of the HTMS Chakri Naruebet spanned five years, culminating in 1997. With this achievement, Thailand became the only nation in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, a singular asset that underscored the country’s naval capabilities.
The pride of the Thai navy in this unique acquisition was palpable, reflecting a significant enhancement of Thailand’s strategic maritime strength.
HTMS Chakri Naruebet was modeled after the Spanish Navy’s Principe de Asturias and constructed by the Spanish shipbuilder, Bazan. This collaboration underscored an international partnership in enhancing Thailand’s naval defense architecture.
In 1997, Thailand was engulfed by the Asian Financial Crisis, a severe economic downturn that rippled through several countries in the region, including Thailand.
Amidst these financial tribulations, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, originally envisioned as a beacon of national pride and naval superiority, found itself predominantly anchored at the Sattahip Naval Base rather than navigating international waters.
With a full-load displacement of over 11,400 tons and an overall length of 182 meters, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet holds the distinction of being the world’s smallest aircraft carrier.
Despite its capabilities, the Thai navy did not officially designate it as an aircraft carrier, even though it was initially equipped to house up to nine Harrier STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft.
Regionally, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet is recognized as a “helicopter carrier.” It boasts accommodations for 62 officers, 393 crew members, and 146 flight personnel, tasked with operating the nine AV-8S (Matador) Harrier fighter aircraft procured from the Spanish Air Force, in addition to six SH-70 helicopters utilized for transporting Thai marine troops.
The initial pride of the Royal Thai Navy in the HTMS Chakri Naruebet was significantly diminished by 2006 following the disbandment of the carrier’s air unit and the retirement of all AV-8 Harrier aircraft operated by the Thai Marine Corps.
This development effectively left the aircraft carrier without any operational aircraft on its flight deck.
Despite this setback, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet continued to serve Thailand, notably in humanitarian efforts such as the rescue of victims during the devastating Tsunami.
However, its operational limitations did not escape public scrutiny.
Perceptions of the carrier’s functionality led to widespread criticism among the Thai populace, who regarded the vessel as an impractical expenditure by the military regime.
Public discontent escalated upon revelations that the carrier was being utilized for leisure voyages by the Thai royal family, prompting derisive nicknames such as “royal pleasure cruise” and “Thai-tanic” among citizens.
These monikers reflected a growing sentiment that the HTMS Chakri Naruebet was a “white elephant,” symbolizing a costly and underutilized asset within the Thai Navy’s fleet. — DSA
