The navy has wrapped up its anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, despite the fact that 27 Thai crew remain captive on a cargo ship seized by Somali pirates.
It plans to return home on Jan 20, but insists its mission was a success even though it has failed to rescue the Thais.
Admiral Takerngsak Wangkaew, the navy's chief of staff, said yesterday the navy had decided to end its mission after failing to make progress in negotiations for the return of the Thai-flagged cargo ship MV Thor Nexus seized by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean on Dec 24.
The ship was en route to Bangladesh from the United Arab Emirates when it was taken.
The navy insisted it had ensured the 27 Thai crew taken hostage on board the ship were safe before the decision was made to head home.
The pirates had taken the cargo ship into Somali waters. Following the vessel or taking it back by force would be too dangerous, he said.
HTMS Similan and HTMS Pattani, which took part in international efforts to patrol the Gulf of Aden, lifted anchor and started their return journey to Thailand on Tuesday.
``The company that owns the ship will continue the negotiations,'' Adm Takerngsak said. The MV Thor Nexus is owned by Thoresen Thai Agencies.
A grand ceremony will be held to welcome the ships back to Thai waters on Jan 20 in Sattahip, Chon Buri.
