The first reports in Europe said that the entire crew safely left the ship. I feel sorry for the people who died and were lost at sea. Sorry if I inadvertently misled anyone. I hope the missing survived.
 
No new updates. 23 still missing, search area expanded.

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The HTMS Chakri Naruebet is the flagship of the Thai fleet . It is the smallest aircraft carrier in the world. It is the sistership, slightly smaller, of the Príncipe de Asturias (R11). It was able to carry an air group of six AV-8S Matador (first generation Harriers) and six S-70B Seahawks. Unfortunately, in 2006, due to an accident with an AV-8, the fleet was grounded. The Harriers never flew again and were kept in reserve until the early 2010s.
Since the withdrawal of the AV-8 and the failure to purchase Sea Harriers FA.2 to replace them, the Chakri is classified by the Thai Navy as an "Offshore Patrol Helicopter Carrier".
Although the Chakri Naruebet was intended for patrols and force projection in Thai waters, a lack of funding brought on by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis meant the carrier has spent most of her career docked at the Sattahip naval base.
It's a shame, because it's one of my favorite class of aircraft carriers !!!

Thai Navy HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH911) & USS Kitty hawk (CV63) near coast of Thailand (3 Apri...jpgThai Navy HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH911) in South China Sea (3 April 2001) (2).jpgThai Navy HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH911) in South China Sea (3 April 2001).jpgThai Navy HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH911) near coast of Thailand (3 April 2001).jpg
 
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During the 90s, the Thai navy was in a buying frenzy. Because before buying an aircraft carrier and Harriers, it had acquired 14 A-7E and 4 TA-7C Corsairs II. They will serve with the 104 Sqn, the "White Shark" based at the U-Tapao air base and will be used for coastal defense and maritime patrol missions. The Corsair IIs will cease operations on July 20, 2007, after 12 years of service. The aircraft will be kept reserve & in flight condition for a few more years.
Thai Navy A-7E & TA-7 inflight.jpgThai Navy A-7E (141) and last pilots before retiring.jpgThai Navy A-7E (1411) inflight.jpgThaï Navy A-7E (158838, E-327) of 104 Sqn over Rayong - U-Taphao Int'l (6 August 1996).jpgThaï Navy A-7E (1403, 160859, E-575) of 104 Sqn over Rayong - U-Taphao Int'l (6 August 1996) b...jpgThaï Navy TA-7C (1417, 156788 , E-055) of 104 Sqn over Rayong - U-Taphao Int'l (6 August 1996).jpg
 

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