Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the Third Naval Area Command, presided over a religious ceremony at the Laem Panwa Room, located within the command’s headquarters based at Cape Panwa.
The event was attended by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Phuket Provincial Court Chief Judge Kriangsak Rodphanchu, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum as well as government officials and representatives from various agencies.
As part of the ceremony, participants paid homage to sacred objects within the unit, including outdoor spirits, the great god Ganesha, and the monument of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, honoured as the ‘Father of the Royal Thai Navy’.
Naval personnel also gathered to receive words of encouragement from the Commander of the Royal Thai Navy.
Established on March 11, 1992, under the Naval Operations Command, the Third Naval Area Command is responsible for safeguarding maritime sovereignty and national interests along Thailand’s Andaman coast.
Its jurisdiction spans six provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Initially based at the Phang Nga Naval Base, it relocated to its current headquarters at Cape Panwa in 1997.
The command plays a crucial role in maritime security, including crime prevention, disaster response, and ensuring the safety of people at sea.