Father of the Royal Thai Navy

Who was the driving force behind the modernization of the Royal Thai Navy? Right here, at the Father of the Royal Thai Navy Museum in Phuket, we uncover the story of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, a man whose vision transformed Thailand’s naval power. The Father of the Royal Thai Navy Museum is dedicated to this remarkable prince, a son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). He’s often called “Sadej Tia” (Lord Father) or “Mor Phon” (Doctor Phon), reflecting his multifaceted life. The Royal Thai Navy officially recognized him as “The Father of the Thai Navy” in 1993, cementing his legacy. Prince Abhakara’s journey began in 1880. Recognizing the need for a strong navy, King Rama V sent him and his brother to study in Britain. While his brother went to Sandhurst, Prince Abhakara pursued naval studies, eventually serving as a midshipman in the Royal Navy on ships like HMS Revenge, HMS Ramillies, and HMS Cruiser. Upon returning to Siam in 1900, he poured his energy into building the Royal Siamese Navy. He established a naval school, a school of marine engineering, and in 1906, the Royal Naval Academy. He even personally taught navigation, emphasizing astronomy, trigonometry, and hydrography. But Prince Abhakara’s interests extended beyond naval matters. He took a break from his naval career to study medicine, specializing in herbal remedies. As “Doctor Phon,” he treated people from all walks of life, free of charge. He also championed the opening of Siam’s first free hospitals. Beyond medicine, he was a skilled Muay Thai fighter and artist, painting murals in Buddhist temples and composing songs, including the navy’s hymn. World War I saw Prince Abhakara return to active duty. He became an admiral in 1918 and commander-in-chief in 1920, continuing his modernization efforts. His foresight led him to choose Sattahip Bay as the site for Thailand’s major naval base. Sadly, ill health forced him to retire in 1923. He sought rehabilitation in Chumphon but succumbed to influenza at the young age of 42. His legacy, however, continues to inspire the Royal Thai Navy.