On September 6, the Royal Thai Navy transported Patrol Boat T.99, a vessel with 34 years of service, from Chuk Samet Port to the entrance of the Royal Fleet Command in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The 10-kilometre journey along Sukhumvit Road drew attention from residents, who paused to witness the rare spectacle of a naval vessel being moved by land. T.99 holds special significance as it was constructed under the guidance of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).
T.99 is part of a series of nine patrol boats designed and built by the Royal Thai Navy, following King Rama IX’s vision of Thailand achieving self-sufficiency in naval defense. Commissioned on January 9, 1988, T.99 served with the Coastal Defence Fleet until its decommissioning on October 1, 2022. Its final journey concluded with its permanent installation at the entrance of the Royal Fleet Command, commemorating its role in Thai naval history.
The origins of T.99 and its sister ships, T.91-T.99, trace back to 1963, when HM King Rama IX visited Germany and observed coastal patrol boat construction. Inspired by the idea of reducing reliance on foreign-made vessels, he advocated for Thailand to develop its own naval capabilities. Under the King’s supervision, the Royal Thai Navy embarked on building the T.91 series. The King personally oversaw testing and collaborated with the UK’s National Research Institute to ensure the ships’ seaworthiness. The first vessel, T.91, was launched on May 9, 1968, in a ceremony attended by the King and Queen, with additional ships constructed between 1971 and 1987.
The public display of T.99 serves as a tribute to HM King Rama IX’s legacy of self-reliance and innovation within the Royal Thai Navy, honoring his pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s naval capabilities.
