Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu: farang, saber sharpener, capitalist opportunist & eminence grise
Today he is an almost forgotten historical figure, but Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu was once a not entirely uncontroversial Farang in the Land of Smiles.
Six Belgian tourists have been rescued by the Royal Thai Navy after they got stuck on an island near Sattahip.
As you may know, the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, escorted by a large fleet of naval vessels, including the Dutch frigate Zr.Ms. Evertsen on a 7-month trip to Japan. It is a special journey in many ways. The journey is long by contemporary European standards, it is the first major voyage of the new aircraft carrier and the first time in 21 years that a Dutch naval vessel visits Japan.
Dutch navy ship makes long journey to Asia
Today the air defense and command frigate, Zr.Ms Evertsen, leaves the port of Den Helder for a 7-month journey. The ship, with a fully vaccinated 180-person crew, is making a super voyage as part of Carrier Strike Group 21 around the new British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Indonesian submarine sinks with 53 crew members
As a former marine, I feel the need to express my condolences to the victims and families of 53 Indonesian marines who lost their lives in the sunken submarine KRI Nanggala 402.
The 1951 Manhattan mutiny in Bangkok
It is more than 69 years ago that a bloody battle took place in Bangkok between units of the Royal Thai Navy on the one hand and the army, police and air force of Thailand on the other. It was, in fact, a failed coup attempt by Royal Thai Navy officers against Prime Minister Phibun's government.
Thai navy takes 161 tourists from Koh Racha Yai
The Royal Thai Navy was called in by tour operators on Koh Racha Yai to help evacuate 177 Thais and tourists from the island and return them to the Phuket Deep Sea Port. The tourist boats that brought them to the island in the Andaman Sea were unable to sail due to stormy weather and waves up to 5 meters high.
Parade Marine in Pattaya with wet feet
In recent days, a grand demonstration took place in Pattaya, in which more than 30 naval vessels from Asean countries took part, anchored in Pattaya Bay. Part of this event was a Street Parade of the Thai Naval Band followed by delegations from the participating countries.
Major Marine manifestation in Pattaya coming up
Every right-minded (former) navy man and other naval ship enthusiasts can indulge themselves during the great fleet review, which will take place during the International Fleet Review 2017 organized by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) from 13 to 22 November in Pattaya Bay.
Reader question: Daonairoi school
Our 16 year old son wants to join the Thai Navy. The plan is that he will first go to the Daonairoi school and then to the Naval Academy. The Daonairoi school is therefore a kind of pre-education, I would like to know if there are blog readers who know the school or even have experience with it?
Admiral Chumphon founder of the Royal Thai Navy
At the most famous viewpoint of Pattaya is the statue of Admiral Chumphon (Admiral Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak).
Thai navy wants to buy three submarines
The Royal Thai Navy is asking for 36 billion baht from the government for the purchase of three Chinese Yuan-class submarines. By spreading the depreciation over 11 years, the navy hopes that this time they will receive permission from the cabinet. Defense Minister Prawit strongly supports the purchase.
The Thai aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet
Gringo, a former navy man, writes about Thailand's only aircraft carrier, which was commissioned by the Royal Thai Navy in 1997. Now it serves as a tourist attraction and goes offshore one day a month for exercise.
The Thai Navy must become seaworthy
Imagine: a plane crashes in the Gulf of Thailand, or a cargo ship sinks in the Andaman Sea. What would the response of the Royal Thai Navy be? The answer is clear: nothing.
Thai Navy: Submersibles are needed to protect our seas
The Thai Navy has explained in a nine-page white paper statement why there is a need to buy submarines. There is a lot of criticism among the Thai people about the choice to spend 36 billion baht for the purchase of three Chinese submarines.
News from Thailand – September 16, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Marine waves off chief with naval review and gun salute
• Royal couple back to Hua Hin
• Woman jumps into crocodile pond; suicide, police say
"Make sure you join" (in Thailand)
This story is about my son Lukin. He is now 14 years old, an excellent student (what father doesn't say that?) and has expressed his desire to join the Royal Thai Navy for some time. Not as a sailor first class, like me, but as a real officer.