Royal Thai Navy patrol vessel HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan visits Ho Chi Minh City.
A Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel of the Royal Thai Navy docked at Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port, beginning a friendly visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
At noon on May 18th, the offshore patrol vessel HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan of the Royal Thai Navy docked at Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port, beginning an official visit to Ho Chi Minh City that will last until May 23rd. This is an important military diplomatic activity leading up to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976 - 2026).
Strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
The Royal Thai Navy delegation was led by Rear Admiral Thaveesak Thongnam, Deputy Commander of Region 1, and included a crew led by Lieutenant Colonel Kongkachar Kerdchuchern. Welcoming the delegation at the port were Colonel Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Vietnam Navy's Region 2 Command, along with representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Ho Chi Minh City Command, and Thai diplomatic missions in Vietnam.
The visit takes place after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming to promote understanding and solidarity between the two navies. During their schedule in Ho Chi Minh City, the delegation will lay wreaths in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh, pay courtesy calls to city leaders and the Command of Military Region 7, and participate in cultural and sports exchange activities with Vietnamese naval personnel.
Technical analysis of the patrol vessel HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan
HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (hull number OPV 552) is the second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel built by Thailand based on the River-class design licensed from BAE Systems (UK). Commissioned in 2019, the vessel boasts a modern design focused on long-duration patrols and multi-role combat capabilities.
| Specifications | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full load displacement | 1,960 tons |
| Length | 90.5 m |
| Width | 13.5 m |
| Powertrain system | 2 MAN diesel engines |
| Waterfall | 3.8 m |
In terms of combat capabilities, the ship is equipped with a comprehensive weapons system including a high-fire Oto Melara 76 mm naval gun, two remotely controlled MSI 30 mm automatic cannons, and 12.7 mm machine guns. Notably, HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan is equipped with four Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers, allowing the ship to perform effective long-range surface combat missions. The ship's superstructure is also designed with sharp angles to reduce radar cross-section, increasing survivability in modern combat environments.
To commemorate the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (May 19), the Thai Embassy will organize a photo exhibition about him combined with a performance of traditional Thai culture right at the harbor area, demonstrating respect for the history and culture of the host country.
