The Navy has transferred the commander of HTMS Chonburi to the Royal Thai Fleet Command on a temporary basis, pending the outcome of the investigation into an accident in which his ship accidentally fired at HTMS Khirirat on March 14.

The accident caused a fire on HTMS Khirirat and injured 14 navy officers, mostly due to hot smoke inhalation. The accidental firing also damaged four compartments on the ship.

The Navy has set up an investigation panel to look into the cause of the accident. Both ships were docked next to each other when the accident happened.

Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, commander of the Patrol Squadron, said in a press conference yesterday that HTMS Chonburi conducted a firing drill at sea on March 13, but experienced two artillery shell jams, which they managed to repair.

The problem happened a third time, which prompted the commander to return the vessel to Laemtien naval base for repairs. It is reported that, during the repairs, the artillery barrel was set at a 45-degree angle for safety. The barrel was later lowered by five degrees. It was then that the accident occurred.