H.R.H. Admiral Chumphon Khet Udom Sak—Pattani, Thailand. - Statues of Historic Figures on Waymarking.com

Admiral Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak (1880-1923) is considered to be the father of the Royal Thai Navy. He was the 28th son of the prominent Thai King Rama V, and he showed an early interest and ability in nautical matters. He spent six years in the UK studying in the Royal Naval Academy. Upon his return to Thailand (Siam) he held a number of important positions in the Royal Thai navy. He is noted for modernising the navy and creating a professional officer corps. He became the Commander of the Navy in 1922.

In addition to his naval studies the Prince is also known as a herbal doctor, a boxer, and artistic painting. He is well remembered in Thailand. The anniversary of his death, May 19, is the Royal Thai Navy Day.

He is also known as Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse. The simplest means of ensuring a correct designation is to refer to him as Admiral Chumphon.


This statue of the Prince is found in the Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, 3kms or so outside the small city of Pattani in the 'deep' south of Thailand. The Prince stands in naval garb gazing in the direction of the Pattani River mouth. The statue looks a little larger than life-sized, is black in colour, and stands on a plinth, which in turn rests on a dais. There is a biographical inscription on the plinth. The statue is a major feature of the park. As with most public statues in Thailand this is also a shrine. Locals and visitors do come by to pay their respects to the memory of the Admiral.


ADVISORY: For the last few years and decades there has been an ongoing insurgency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat (the 'deep south' of Thailand). An average of 600 people (out of a pop. of 1.6 million) have been killed per year between 2004-9. The Australian government strongly urges its citizens not to visit these provinces: "do not travel". Having said all of this there is no blood on the streets, and life goes on normally for the vast majority of people. You have been advised.

URL of the statue: Not listed

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