The World's Most Useless Aircraft Carrier

image via Phoenix

The list of nations that currently operate aircraft carriers is a short one. While obvious nations like the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom are all there, the list also contains some surprises. Namely, Thailand.

Unfortunately for them, while they might be the only nation in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet may be the most useless aircraft carrier currently in operation today.

image via Wikipedia

Unless its purpose was to make other aircraft carriers feel good about themselves.

The Thai government bought the aircraft carrier brand new from Spain in 1998, and like any spoiled teenager who just irresponsibly bought their new sports car, proudly paraded that bitch right into its new home port, Sattahip. Then it sat. And sat.

Turns out the Thai government didn't realize that running an aircraft carrier is hellishly expensive, especially when the economy decides to tank.

So the Thai government found itself with a large ship, but no aircraft to put on it. Or weapons systems. Or crew.

image via Wikipedia

Some nice photo ops though.

But luckily the Chakri Naruebet found a new use: the world's most awesome Royal yacht. The navy outfitted several rooms with luxurious accommodations, and the only time the aircraft carrier sets out to sea is to ferry the Royal family around.

Other than that, the aircraft carrier sits in port, operating one day a month just to prevent it from rusting.

image via Wikipedia

The Chakri Naruebet sailing away, along with Thailand's economy.