HTMS
Chakri Naruebet, the Royal Thai Navy's to date only aircraft carrier, c. 2016. Originally seen as somewhat of a white elephant, the Royal Thai Navy would receive Japanese assistance in restoring the vessel to a properly seaworthy condition (as part of wider Japanese technical/military assistance for Thailand), in exchange for use in joint Thai-Japanese naval exercises where Japan's trainee carrier pilots could practice taking off and landing on a small deck. In recent years, the Royal Thai Navy has purchased a number of new ships from Japan, including diesel-electric submarines, and for the past few years has operated license-built Mitsubishi F-35EJ fighters for their carrier (something many decry as an unnecessary expense, along with the carrier itself, which despite being more active than had been its wont is still somewhat of a yard queen).
Thailand, together with Japan, Korea , the Philippines and Vietnam (and
de facto Taiwan, though not de jure) is a signatory of the Bangkok Regional Security Treaty, a joint understanding between those nations most concerned about growing Chinese influence to pool resources, undertake joint military exercises, coordinate against terrorist and criminal threats and - should it become necessary - act in mutual defence against external aggression. While this treaty will, it is hoped, serve as a deterrent to China, some note that it has added various flashpoints in the South China Sea and along the Thai-Malaysian border.
ROKS
Dokdo, one of the Republic of Korea Navy's two
Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships, being overflown by four of its F-35s. While designed in the amphibious assault role, the
Dokdos can carry up to ten F-35s, and in peace time generally operate with a wing of five.
Plans to build a larger, dedicated carrier have been floated in Korea, and President Moon is leaning towards approving it. China remains the main threat to Korea, which necessitates a large Army and Air Force, but should a war break out, the Navy will be needed to work with regional allies and the US Navy to keep the sea lanes open...and, of course, keeping up with their 'frenerival' Japan.
Vietnam People's Navy submarine
Hà Nội, c. 2015. Formerly the
Oyashio-class submarine
Uzushio, she was sold - together with five other
Oyashio-class boats - to Vietnam in 2014, following a number of refits and retoolings. The Vietnam People's Navy has also invested in a number of older Japanese and Korean surface vessels, which have been seeing increasing deployment in the South China Sea.