For defending the country, the sea is utilized as a defending barrier according to the defense-in-depth strategy. It is the strategy in which multiple layers of naval forces are places throughout Thailand’s maritime zones. To implement this strategy, the Royal Thai Navy has established a maritime domain awareness system by using naval vessels and maritime aircraft to conduct round-the-clock patrol throughout Thai maritime zones. Furthermore, it uses coastal radar stations to monitor all movement at sea within their coverage areas. The maritime domain awareness system is also integrated with the similar system of other maritime agencies. It also exchanges data with friendly countries.
It is noticed that Thailand’s maritime interests include all aspects of the way Thailand utilizes the sea no matter it is direct or indirect utilization. Thus, the national maritime interests also include all relating businesses such as seafood processing, oil refineries and petroleum product, oil and gas platform building, maritime logistics and insurance, ship building and repairing, marine tourism, as well as marine sports. The value of Thailand’s maritime interests is approximately amounted to 24 trillion baht (696 billion dollars) per year. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of such value belongs to Thai people.