On April 17, 2023, the Royal Thai Navy took delivery of a new landing ship, HTMS Chang, during a ceremony at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in the People’s Republic of China. Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengphaet, Navy Commander, together with Mrs. Jatuporn Chomchoengphaet, President of the Naval Wives Association, presided over the event.
HTMS Chang is one of four new multi-purpose landing ships that the Royal Thai Navy plans to procure, replacing the old landing ship, HTMS Chang 2. These ships are part of the Navy’s 20-year strategy, from 2017-2036, which aims to enhance its capability to conduct amphibious operations, ship transport, and command ships, as well as support submarine operations, maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism efforts.
The naming of the landing ship is in line with the Royal Thai Navy’s regulations, which sets out the rules for naming battleships by type of ship. The HTMS Chang is named after the island of Koh Chang in Trat Province and was bestowed by His Majesty the King.
Constructed by China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, HTMS Chang is an improved and developed version of the LPD Type 071 ships used by the Chinese Navy. It took about four years to build the ship, and it is scheduled to depart from the People’s Republic of China on April 18, 2023. It will arrive in Thailand on April 25, 2023, where it will be welcomed with a ceremony at Chuk Samet Pier in Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi Province, at 3:00 p.m.
The addition of the HTMS Chang to the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet will enhance the country’s maritime defense capability and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The Navy is committed to continuously upgrading its capabilities to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
