HTMS Chakri Naruebet Replica
The replica of the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet is 74km south of Chumphon Town. Take Highway 41 towards Lang Suan. Just before Lang Suan turn left onto Road No. 4099 heading towards Pak Nam Lang Suan. After about 6km the 4099 joins the 4002, at the junction turn left and follow the 4002 for 10km. When in Pak Nam Lang Suan turn left onto the 4012 and after 500m take any road to the right which will take you to Laem Son beach. The replica is on the left as you travel along the coast road, not easy to miss.
The replica is roughly half the size of the actual ship, being is 29 meters wide, 79 meters long, and 6 meters tall. And all concrete.
It is possible to climb up onto the flight deck where you get a good view of Pak Nam Lang Suan bay.
Within the conning tower can be found a shrine to the Price of Chumphon (Abhakara Kiartivongse).
Associated with paying respects to the Price of Chumphon there is also a place to let off firecrackers. This is located on the eastern side of the replica.
Firecrackers used here are for making a wish. They can be bought from the shop found inside the replica and prior to hoisting them up inside the steel cage you make your wish upon them. When they are in position they are lit and the sound of exploding firecrackers is quite deafening. After they have burned you can retrieve a banner which is attached to the last cracker as a keepsake and reminder of your wish.
It also creates a lot of smoke, hence why they are banned in Bangkok at times of high pollution, so in the video its difficult to get a good view of the burning firecrackers.
The actual aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet (In honour of the Chakri Dynasty), looks like this:-
It also creates a lot of smoke, hence why they are banned in Bangkok at times of high pollution, so in the video its difficult to get a good view of the burning firecrackers.
- 1992 - Order for construction placed with Spanish shipbuilder Bazán - US$336 million
- 1996 - Launched 20 January. Being 183m length, 30.5 m wide, 6.12m draft, 11,486 tons
- 1997 - Commissioned into the Royal Thai Navi as their flagship. Homeport: Sattahip Naval Base
- 2004 - Provided support after the tsunami around Phuket
- 2005 - Used in the film Rescue Dawn
- 2010 - Helped in flood relief operations - Songkhla Province
- 2011 - Helped evacuation of tourists and local citizens from Koh Tao after heavy storms
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