Bangkok: A religious merit-making ceremony was held to mark the 119th anniversary of the Royal Thai Navy, with a significant turnout from former commanders. However, the notable absence of “Big Tao” and “Big Dung” was observed.

According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony was presided over by Admiral Pairoj Fuangchan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and Mrs. Ariya Fuangchan, President of the Royal Thai Navy Wives Association. The event took place on the occasion of Navy Day 2025, with former Commanders-in-Chief, heads of Royal Thai Navy units, and senior officers in attendance.

The annual merit-making and Thaksinanupatana ceremonies were conducted to bring auspiciousness, featuring 10 monks with high ecclesiastical titles. Phra Thammachiramethi, the abbot of Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan, served as the monastic chairman.

Former commanders, including Admiral Prasert Boonsong, Admiral Thaweesak Somapa, Admiral Sathitphan Keyanon, Admiral Narong Pipatanasai, Admiral Kraisorn Chansuwanich, Admiral Naris Pratumsuwan, Admiral Chatchai Sriworakhan, Admiral Cherngchai Chomcheangpaet, and Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, were present at the ceremony.

Earlier in the morning, Admiral Pairoj Fuangchan, along with senior commanders and their spouses, led a merit-making ritual by offering alms to monks. The ceremony took place at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, with 49 monks from Wat Molilokayaram Ratchaworawihan and Wat Chinorasaram Worawihan participating.

The Royal Thai Navy commemorates its founding and development into a stable institution, credited to the royal grace of King Chulalongkorn, who inaugurated the Naval Academy on November 20, 1906. This day is recognized as Navy Day by the Royal Thai Navy.