Maritime crossroads: Thailand modernises as regional rivalries intensify

摘要

Thailand has for years centred its national security priorities largely towards conflicts inland. These include the century-long Cambodian-Thai border dispute near the Prear Vihear Temple and threats posed by separatist militants in the kingdom's southern provinces. As a result of these priorities, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has historically played second fiddle to the country's army in terms of funding, staffing, and overall modernisation efforts. Its vessels, including the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, tend to be under-used in the roles for which they were conceived.