Thai naval vessel pays friendship visit to Ho Chi Minh City

The May 18-23 visit is among a series of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the first year since they established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The vessel is led by Rear Admiral Thaveesak Thongnam, deputy commander of the First Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy.

Representatives from Vietnam’s Naval Region 2 Command, the Ho Chi Minh City administration, the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 Command, the Ho Chi Minh City Command, and other agencies attended a welcoming ceremony at the port.

Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya was also present at the event.

The visit aims to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation between the defense ministries of Vietnam and Thailand, as well as between the Vietnam People’s Navy and the Royal Thai Navy.

During their stay, the ship’s commanders and crew members are scheduled to lay flowers in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and pay courtesy calls on city leaders, Military Region 7 Command, and Naval Region 2 Command.

They will also take part in cultural and sports exchanges with Vietnamese naval officers, soldiers, and local residents, while visiting historical and cultural sites in the city.

HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, hull number OPV 552, is the second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Thai Navy, featuring an angular design intended to reduce radar detection.

The ship is equipped with naval guns and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and measures 90.5 meters in length and 13.5 meters in width, with a full-load displacement of 1,960 metric tons.

Ambassador Urawadee said the vessel’s visit carries significance beyond naval cooperation as it coincides with major milestones in bilateral ties.

The Thai Embassy in Vietnam organized exhibitions on traditional Thai costumes, cultural performances and a photo exhibition dedicated to late President Ho Chi Minh at Nha Rong Port, ahead of the 136th anniversary of his birth (May 19, 1890-2026).

“We arranged for the ship to arrive during late President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday commemoration in the city that bears his name,” Urawadee said.

She noted that President Ho Chi Minh once lived in Thailand and played an important role in laying the foundation for bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Thailand considers Vietnamese people as relatives,” the ambassador said, adding that more than 100,000 people of Vietnamese origin currently live in Thailand.