Former Military Chair explains HTMS Bhumibol engine failure

Matichon•Politics•5d ago

Reader Briefing

Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn attributes the engine failure of HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej to overload due to the Royal Thai Navy having only one modern frigate in its class.

•HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej requires two new engines costing approximately 490 million baht.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn stated the ship has been in service for about 7.5 years.
•The Royal Thai Navy currently relies on HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej as its only modern, ready frigate.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn recommends the government approve long-term plans to build frigates in fleets of at least two ships per class.

Overview

•HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej began construction on May 15, 2016, was received from South Korea in late 2018, and commissioned on January 7, 2019.
•Both main engines of HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej are completely damaged, leaving only the emergency turbine engine functional.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn states HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej suffered severe damage because it was used in an overloaded manner.
•The overload occurred because HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej is the only modern frigate available for the Royal Thai Navy to perform its missions.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn notes that the Royal Thai Navy previously planned a second frigate, unofficially named HTMS Ananda Mahidol, but budget approval was never granted.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn argues that building ships in fleets is more cost-effective regarding design costs, spare parts, and personnel training.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn supports the Royal Thai Navy's current frigate construction project to develop engineering and industry within Thailand.
•Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn warns that having only one ship per class is an inefficient use of budget and limits operational capacity.

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Key Entities

Person

Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn(วิโรจน์ ลักขณาอดิศร)ℹ️

Former Member of Parliament for the People's Party and former Chairman of the Military Committee.

Organization

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

The political party of Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn.

Military Committee(คณะกรรมาธิการการทหาร)

The committee previously chaired by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn.

Royal Thai Navy(กองทัพเรือ)ℹ️

The naval force of Thailand responsible for operating HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej.

HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej(เรือหลวงภูมิพล)ℹ️

A frigate in the Royal Thai Navy with severely damaged main engines.

HTMS Ananda Mahidol(เรือหลวงอานันทมหิดล)

The unofficial name of a planned second frigate that did not receive budget approval.

Cabinet(ครม.)

The government body Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn suggests should approve long-term ship construction plans.

Place

South Korea(เกาหลีใต้)ℹ️

The country from which the Royal Thai Navy received HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej.