What the Royal Thai Navy’s Offshore Fire Support Reveals About Its Approach to Littoral Warfare

Summary

The episode examines the Royal Thai Navy’s use of offshore fire support during the 2025 Cambodia‑Thailand border conflict, focusing on the patrol gunboat HTMS Thepa’s naval gunfire missions. It highlights how small navies like Thailand’s shift fluidly from constabulary duties to combat roles, repurposing amphibious and naval gunfire doctrines for littoral warfare, while navigating humanitarian constraints and political motivations. The discussion also explores the evolving norms of littoral combat, the navy’s status‑seeking behavior, and the broader implications for Southeast Asian maritime security.