Thailand: The Siam Shield

Thailand: The Siam Shield stands at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, where regional conflict, global power, and national sovereignty intersect. As part of the SOUTH EAST ASIA COLLECTION, it forms part of a series of country-focused modules representing the naval and air forces of the region.

From the early Cold War through to the modern era, the Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Air Force maintained a constant presence over the Gulf of Thailand, safeguarding vital sea lanes and coastal approaches. While wars raged in neighbouring states, Thailand remained a frontline ally and strategic anchor, balancing influence, stability, and defence.

The Siam Shield represents this enduring role.

This collection brings together decades of Thai naval and air power, from post-war rebuilding in the 1950s, through the heightened tensions of the Vietnam War, and into the modernisation efforts of the late 20th century.

Across multiple eras, players will command a force built not for domination, but for control. Patrol the coastline, intercept emerging threats, and project air power over contested waters.

This is not a war of expansion.

This is the defence of the Gulf.

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A US-aligned rebuilding force focused on coastal defence, patrol operations, and establishing sovereign control over the Gulf of Thailand during the early Cold War.

• Cannon-class — Destroyer Escort / Frigate
• M21-class — Patrol Boat

A frontline regional navy supporting allied operations while maintaining maritime security, with an increasing emphasis on indigenous capability and sustained coastal presence.

• Tapi-class — Corvette

A modernising fleet introducing missile-capable surface combatants and improved patrol forces, strengthening layered defence across the Gulf and coastal approaches.

• Chao Phraya-class — Frigate
• Chao Phraya-class (Sub-variant) — Frigate
• Makut Rajakumarn-class (Modernised) — Frigate
• Makut Rajakumarn-class — Frigate
• Ratanakosin-class — Corvette
• Khamronsin-class — Corvette
• Prabrarapak-class — Missile Boat
• Ratcharit-class — Missile Boat
• Sattahip-class — Patrol Boat
• Chonburi-class — Patrol Boat
• Chula-class — Coastal Oiler

A balanced force integrating larger Western-built frigates and the introduction of carrier aviation, enhancing endurance, escort capability, and sustained maritime presence beyond coastal waters.

• Chakri Naruebet-class — Light Aircraft Carrier
• Knox-class — Frigate
• Hua Hin-class — Patrol Boat

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A US-supported air arm structured for air defence and regional security, providing fighter cover and rapid response over Thailand and the Gulf.

• F-5A — Lightweight Fighter / Interceptor

A modernised fighter force centred on improved interception, strike capability, and sustained air superiority over national and maritime domains.

• F-16AM Fighting Falcon — Multirole fourth-generation fighter aircraft
• T-50TH Golden Eagle — Advanced jet trainer and light maritime strike aircraft
• F-5E — Multi-role Fighter

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The foundation of Thai naval aviation, focused on rotary-wing operations providing anti-submarine warfare, patrol, and fleet support across the Gulf.

• AB-212 ASW — Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter

The introduction of fixed-wing naval aviation alongside modern rotary-wing assets, enabling sea-based air power, anti-submarine warfare, and expanded maritime strike capability.

• AV-8S — Naval V/STOL Strike Aircraft
• A-7E — Naval Strike Aircraft
• S-70B-7 Seahawk — ASW / Maritime Helicopter

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The SOUTH EAST ASIA COLLECTION is designed to grow over time as a shared project across the community. I welcome contributions from other players, whether ships, aircraft, missions, or supporting assets, that align with the historical scope, balance, and overall quality of the collection.

If you have something you’d like to see included, or want to contribute directly, feel free to get in touch.

Contact me @ BuOrd Discord Server[discord.gg]
Collaboration, feedback, and asset submissions are all welcome.

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-Darthmac
-jabeitor
-Pog Frog
-Moloti
-Petrouvis
-Skyblazer
-Cellinia_Texas
-Zzocalu