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HTMS Ang Thong / Chang LST

A Navy ship was turned into a museum to honor HM the King on the occasion of his 84th birthday, and is looking most likely to be Krabi Province's new attraction. Andy Puranand has the detail.

The Krabi people joined together to bring the HTMS Lanta up to dry dock at Klong Ji Lhad Pier on the mouth of Krabi River, welcoming the ship to its resting place after having served the country for many decades. The Ship was christened by His Majesty the King back in 1970. The name Lanta refers to an island off the coast of Krabi, and this brought the Krabi people a sense of pride to have the ship named after their island.

The people of Lanta Island felt that their King did not desert them, and are greatly honored that His Majesty the King christened the ship after their island, which brought pride to all the people of Krabi. HTMS Lanta, formerly named USS Stone County, was built in the USA. It is a Landing Ship Tank, measuring 98 meters long and 15.5 meters wide with a displacement of 4,080 tons. The ship carries up to 95 troops and is equipped with 73 guns. After having served in the US Navy in many battles, including World War II, The US Navy offered the ship as an aid to the Royal Thai Navy. The ship was commissioned to the Royal Thai Navy Amphibious Squadron in March 12, 1970, bearing hull number 714.

After its decommission in April 30, 2007, the Krabi Provincial Administration Organization received permission from the United States government to turn the ship into a historical museum, in honor of His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 84 birthday this year. 'We are turning the ship into a historical museum, which should bring in many tourists, especially Americans, since they originally owned the ship.

"This should be a good sales point" Khun Kittichai, Deputy CEO Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization, said, "We did not want the name HTMS Lanta to fade away. We want it to grace the Province of Krabi, and to let our children know that once upon a time, this ship went into battles in World War II. This made us believe that the ship bears a big significance of value in many ways" When complete, the museum ship will feature a room depicting its own long and glorious history, as well as a room displaying the history of Krabi Province and its people. It will also include an IT library, and most importantly a statue of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse, the son of King Rama the V, known as "The Father of the Royal Thai Navy", which shall grace the ship as it finally rest at home in the Province of Krabi, for years to come.