Two ships of China’s 83rd Naval Fleet (Pasan Fleet) arrived in Thailand today and docked at Chuk Samet Pier of Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi Province. The fleet consists of the training ship Qi Jiguang (Hull No. 83) and the amphibious transport dock Yimeng Shan (Hull No. 988).
The visit is part of a goodwill port call by the Chinese Naval Academy’s training fleet, with a complement of around 1,000 Chinese naval cadets.
File photo: Yimeng Shan (Hull No. 988)
Before docking, the Chinese warships conducted a joint naval exercise with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Chang, known as “Pass EX.”
The three-hour drill included communication exercises, fleet formation maneuvers and message signaling, with helicopters and drones also participating.
After the exercise, HTMS Chang escorted the Chinese ships to the pier, where they were welcomed by the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand and the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet.
The ships will be open to the public on:
• October 17 (Friday): 8.30am–11.30am and 2.30pm–5pm – Visit ship No. 988
• October 18 (Saturday): 8.30am–11.30am and 2.30pm–5pm – Visit ships No. 83 and 988
• October 19 (Sunday): 8.30am–11.30am – Visit ships No. 83 and 988 (subject to change)
A farewell ceremony will be held on October 20 at 9.30am at Chuk Samet Pier, with the Chinese ships scheduled to depart at 10am.
The training ship Qi Jiguang (No. 83) has a displacement of 9,000 tons, a length of 165.3 meters and a top speed of 22 knots. It is under the command of Rear Admiral Feng Liang.
The amphibious transport dock Yimengshan (No. 988) is even larger, with a displacement of 25,000 tons, a length of 210 meters and a top speed of 25 knots, commanded by Rear Admiral Niu Zhiyong.
