Originally Posted by wabpilot

That is an old wives tale at best. Chakri Nareubet is actually very much operational and used for her intended purpost which is sea control. Every Thai Navy flag ship has had royal quarters. Chakri Nareubet is no different. However, the royal family's use is rare. The Thai Navy routinely puts Chakri Nareubet to sea. And her small air group is fully qualified. Given how difficult it is to fly the AV-8C, Thai naval aviation has a lot to be proud of.