Phan Toophijit
Bio
Phan Toophijit graduated from NCO Navy School in 1950. He arrived in the Korean theater in 1951 as part of the third rotation. His service in the Thai Navy was aboard the HTMS Tachin. This frigate’s job was to escort ships carrying oil and other supplies to other ships. He spent most of his waking and sleeping hours near his machine gun, always prepared in case his expertise was needed.
Video Clips
HTMS Tachin
Upon arrival in Korea, Phan Toophijit was stationed aboard the HTMS Tachin. He explains the primary duty of this vessel was to escort and provide protection for other ships traveling through the area, especially those carrying oil. He describes the size of the boat and crew and explains the weaponry aboard.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWYW2Fkawbs&start=486&end=698
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/phan-toophijit#clip-1
Embed:
Life Aboard the HTMS Tachin
Phan Toophijit recalls life aboard ship as relatively comfortable. He notes they tended to be out at sea for thirty to forty days. During that time, he remembers being able to shower and having good food readily available. He does share that there really was no such thing as "off duty" as they were to remain with their guns both day and night in case they were needed.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWYW2Fkawbs&start=701&end=976
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/phan-toophijit#clip-2
Embed: