Thai Navy says Cambodian corvettes could raise regional tensions

The Thai Navy is not concerned about Cambodia’s two new corvettes from China, but their deployment could increase tensions in regional waters, particularly in the northern Gulf of Thailand, Rear Adm Parach Rattanachaipan, spokesman for the Thai Navy, told a press briefing.

The Navy has long been aware of Cambodia’s efforts to develop its naval capabilities and is not concerned about the increase, he said.

He was responding to reports that the Cambodian navy had conducted drills in the Sihanoukville area involving Corvette No. 622, which was supplied by China.

As the Cambodian navy has made a significant leap in its capabilities, moving from small, old patrol boats to larger, high-performance corvettes, the Thai Navy will have to reassess the situation, he said.

One of the two corvettes has already arrived and is undergoing training, while the second is expected to arrive soon.

Commenting on the drills, Parach said it is common for training to follow the delivery of new military equipment to ensure personnel become familiar with its operation.

The development has reinforced the need for the RTN to accelerate the procurement of frigates and ensure that the management of the submarine procurement project and its contract proceeds according to plan, so the submarine can be delivered and commissioned as soon as possible.

“What we are doing is maintaining a balance of naval power with the opposing side,” he said, stressing that acquiring another frigate is necessary, particularly as neighbouring countries continue to develop their naval capabilities.

“The navy’s assessment is that we must not fall further behind. Delaying any procurement that may be needed in the future could create a capability gap,” he said.