New patrol gunboat for Thai navy
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) commissioned HTMS Laemsing (PGB 561), a domestically built patrol gunboat, on 21 September after sea trials.
The RTN bought its plans and materials from Marsun in a $20 million deal (excluding weapon systems). It was built by the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard to gain more experience in shipbuilding under a self-reliance policy.
The 520t vessel, launched on 25 August 2015, will cooperate with other Thai services for both anti-surface and anti-air missions. As well as these combat missions, HTMS Laemsing can intercept suspicious vessels, perform anti-piracy and antiterrorist operations, harbour security and search and rescue.
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