Phuket Hosts Thai and Singaporean Warships for SINGSIAM 2026 Naval Exercise

The Andaman coast has become the center of a major regional naval exercise as Thai and Singaporean warships arrived in Phuket to participate in the annual SINGSIAM 2026 joint maritime drills.

The participating vessels include the Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Taksin, which sailed from the Gulf of Thailand, alongside two Singapore Navy ships — RSS Unity (17) and RSS Stalwart (72).

This year’s SINGSIAM exercise is being hosted by Singapore and is taking place in the Andaman Sea from May 20 to May 27.

In addition to HTMS Taksin, the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command also deployed HTMS Kraburi to join the operation.

According to officials, the exercise is aimed at strengthening bilateral military relations, improving maritime cooperation, and enhancing the protection of shared national interests at sea.

The drills also focus on reinforcing regional maritime security and interoperability between the two navies.

During the exercise, HTMS Taksin and the two Singaporean warships anchored at Ao Makham in Phuket, allowing crew members to go ashore for rest and recreation.

Officials noted that the naval visit not only supports military cooperation between Thailand and Singapore but also benefits Phuket’s local economy by generating additional activity for tourism and hospitality businesses.