The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) organized a ceremony in Shanghai for its new landing platform dock from China, Global Times reports. RTN chief of staff Admiral Thaloengsak Sirisawat presided over the ceremony at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding on January 4, Thai newspaper The Nation reported.
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071E landing platform dock (Picture source: Weibo account of China State Shipbuilding Corporation)
The ship, a Type 071E landing platform dock named HTMS Chang by the RTN, will become Thailand's third landing platform dock, replacing its second landing platform dock. The name is derived from an island in Trat province. The order was placed in September 2019. The RTN has a 20-year strategy (2017-2036) to procure four landing platform docks to be used in operations such as amphibious warfare, marine rescue and disaster relief.
The new HTMS Chang is 213 meters long and 28 meters at the beam. It has a maximum displacement of 20,003 tons and a top speed of 25 knots. The ship can tolerate choppy seas and can accommodate 600 officers. Built at a cost of 6.1 billion baht ($180 million), the ship will be commissioned by the Royal Thai Fleet in Chonburi province, The Nation reported.
Developed by the No.708 Research Institute under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and built by the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, the Type 071E landing platform dock completed its sea trial in early December 2022, CSSC announced at the time.
The Type 071E is an export version of Type 071 amphibious landing ship (hence the "E" in its designation) in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with adjustments and customizations based on the needs of the Royal Thai Navy. Its large vehicle deck can support military vehicles including tanks and armored vehicles as well as mechanized and air-cushioned landing craft; its flight deck and hangar can host several helicopters for vertical landing missions, experts said.
