Royal Thai Army
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox military unit
The Royal Thai Army or RTA (Template:Langx; Template:RTGS) is the army of Thailand and the oldest and largest branch of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
History
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Origin
The Royal Thai Army is responsible for protecting the kingdom's sovereignty. The army was formed in 1874, partly as a response to new security threats following the 1855 Bowring Treaty with Britain, which opened the country for international trade.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Current
In modern era, the army has a long history of coups d'état and coup attempts. Its leadership continues to see coup-making as one role of the army.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 22 May 2014 the army deposed the government, appointed military officers to the national assembly, and on 21 August 2014 they elected the army's Commander in Chief, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, as prime minister. The general retired October 2014<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to concentrate on political reform which he said would take at least a year, following which he promised national elections would be held.<ref name="ThailandPM">Template:Cite news</ref>
The existence of an information warfare unit participating in a cyber campaign against government critics was leaked to the public in late February 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2020 Twitter shut down a network of accounts which were engaged in information warfare. According to Twitter "Our investigation uncovered a network of accounts partaking in information operations that we can reliably link to the Royal Thai Army (RTA)."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The operation had targeted the political opposition within Thailand. The Thai Army denied that they had been involved in the disinformation operation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Army components and control
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
The number of army generals is unclear. One point of comparison: as of 1 November 2019, the US Army had 322 general officers<ref name=CRS-44389>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:RP for a force of 471,990 troops.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Saiyud Kerdphol is Thailand's oldest general, a veteran of World War II and Korea who retired in 1983 as supreme commander. During his tenure, general officer numbers were based on the number of troops under their command. Template:Asof, only 150–200 four-star generals occupy command positions. Speaking on the topic of army manpower, Saiyud declared that, "Everybody being a general is unbelievable. Full generals don't have a seat to sit in or a job to do."<ref name="NAR-20191231">Template:Cite news</ref>
Command and control
The commanders-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army (ผู้บัญชาการทหารบกไทย) is considered the most powerful position in the Royal Thai Armed Forces.<ref>Thailand: Land of a thousand generals</ref> Since 1 October 2024, the commander-in-chief has been General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk.
- Commander-in-Chief: General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk since 1 October 2024
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief: General Nattawut Nakanakorn since 1 October 2024
- Chairman of the Royal Thai Army Advisory Board: General Ekkarat Changkaew since 1 October 2024
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Wasu Jiamsuk since 1 October 2024
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Chitsanupong Rodsiri since 1 October 2024
- Chief of Staff of the Army: General Thongchai Rodyoi since 1 October 2024
- Commander of the 1st Army Area: Lieutenant General Amrit Boonsuya since 1 October 2024
- Commander of the 2nd Army Area: Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang since 1 October 2024
- Commander of the 3rd Army Area: Lieutenant General Kittipong Chaemsuwan since 1 October 2024
- Commander of the 4th Army Area: Lieutenant General Paisan Nusang since 1 October 2024
- Commander of the Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command: Lieutenant General Narongrit Kamphira since 1 October 2024
Structure
The army is organized nationally into four army areas:
- First Army Area - (Template:Langx) – headquartered in Bangkok, controls troops in 26 provinces in central, eastern, western Thailand and Bangkok.<ref name="BP-20180903">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Army Area
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Army Corps
- 1st Special Operations Training Company
- 21st Signal Regiment, 1st Army Area
- 11th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 12th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 13th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 14th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 1st Division King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx) (Bangkok)
- Headquarters Company, 1st Division
- 31st Infantry Brigade, King Bhumibol's Guard (Airborne) - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 31st Infantry Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 1st Infantry Battalion, 31st Infantry Brigade, King Bhumibol's Guard "Airborne Infantry Battalion"
- 2nd Infantry Battalion, 31st Infantry Brigade, King Bhumibol's Guard
- 3rd Infantry Battalion, 31st Infantry Brigade, King Bhumibol's Guard
- 1st Artillery Brigade King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Artillery Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 1st Artillery Regiment, 1st Artillery Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 11th Artillery Regiment, 1st Artillery Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 31st Artillery Regiment, 1st Artillery Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 4th Armoured Regiment, 1st Division King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Cavalry Squadron (Reconnaissance) - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Engineer Regiment, 1st Division King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Ordnance Company, 1st Division - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Quartermaster Company, 1st Division - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Field Military Police Company - (Template:Langx)
- 12th Military Police Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Medical Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 1, 1st Division King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Infantry Division, Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx) (Fort Phromyothi, Prachinburi Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Division Queen's Guard
- 2nd Infantry Brigade, Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx) - (aka "Burapha Payak" Template:Langx: Template:Lang)
- 1st Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 2nd Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 3rd Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 12th Mechanised Infantry Brigade, Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12th Mechanised Infantry Brigade Queen's Guard
- 1st Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 2nd Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 3rd Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 21st Infantry Brigade, Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx) - (aka "Thahan Suea Rachini" Template:Langx: Template:Lang)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 21st Infantry Brigade Queen's Guard
- 1st Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 2nd Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 3rd Infantry Battalion, Queen's Guard
- 2nd Artillery Brigade, Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Artillery Brigade, Queen's Guard
- 2nd Artillery Regiment, Queen's Guard
- 12th Artillery Regiment, Queen's Guard
- 21st Artillery Regiment, Queen's Guard
- 102nd Artillery Regiment, Queen's Guard
- 2nd Anti-tank Company - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Armoured Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 30th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division Queen's Guard '- (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Engineer Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Quartermaster Company - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Field Military Police Company, 12th Military Police Battalion (Template:Langx)
- Maintenance Regiment, Support Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Queen's Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Medical Regiment (Template:Langx)
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 2, 2nd Infantry Division Queen's Guard (Template:Langx)
- 9th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort Surasi, Kanchanaburi Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Division
- 9th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Brigade
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 19th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 19th Infantry Brigade
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion (Designated as First Army Area Rapid Deployment Force)
- 29th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 29th Infantry Brigade
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 9th Artillery Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 9th Artillery Brigade
- 9th Artillery Regiment
- 19th Artillery Regiment
- 109th Artillery Regiment
- Support Brigade, 9th Infantry Division' - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Division Support Command, 9th Infantry Division
- Office of Supply, 9th Infantry Division
- Maintenance Regiment, Division Support Command, 9th Infantry Division
- Medical Regiment, Division Support Command, 9th Infantry Division
- Transportation Regiment, Division Support Command, 9th Infantry Division
- 11th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort Somdet Phra Nangklao, Chachoengsao Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 11th Infantry Division
- 111th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 111th Infantry Brigade
- 1st Infantry Battalion, 111th Infantry Brigade
- 2nd Infantry Battalion, 111th Infantry Brigade
- 3rd Infantry Battalion, 111th Infantry Brigade
- 112th Mechanised Infantry Brigade "Stryker Regiment Combat Team" - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 112th Mechanised Infantry Brigade
- 1st Mechanised Infantry Battalion, 112th Mechanised Infantry Brigade
- 2nd Mechanised Infantry Battalion, 112th Mechanised Infantry Brigade
- 3rd Mechanised Infantry Battalion, 112th Mechanised Infantry Brigade
- Division Support Command, 11st Infantry Division - (Template:Langx)
- Maintenance Battalion, Service Support Regiment, 11th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters Company, Division Support Command, 11th Infantry Division
- Maintenance Regiment, Support Brigade, 11th Infantry Division
- 2nd Cavalry Division, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx) (Bangkok)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard
- 27th Cavalry Regiment, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 29th Cavalry Regiment, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarter and Headquarter Squadron, 1st Armoured Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 1st Armoured Regiment, 1st Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Armoured Regiment, 1st Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 17th Armoured Regiment, 1st Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarter and Headquarter Squadron, 4th Armoured Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 5th Armoured Regiment, 4th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 11th Armoured Regiment, 4th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 25th Armoured Regiment, 4th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 5th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarter and Headquarter Squadron, 5th Armoured Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 20th Armoured Regiment, 5th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 23rd Armoured Regiment, 5th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 24th Armoured Regiment, 5th Armoured Brigade, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 12th Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 12th Support Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and Division Support Company, 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard
- Maintenance Regiment, 12th Support Brigade
- 1st Forward Division Support Company, 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Forward Division Support Company, 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 12th Quartermaster Company - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Field Military Police Company, 12th Military Police Regiment
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 8, 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard
- 1st Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarter and Headquarter Company, 1st Army Support Command
- Logistics Control Centre, 1st Army Support Command
- 21st Supply and Service Regiment, 1st Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 21st Maintenance Regiment, 1st Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 21st Ordnance Ammunition Regiment, 1st Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Development Division - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Development Division
- 1st Development Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Development Brigade
- 1st Development Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Engineer Brigade King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Engineer Brigade King's Royal Guard
- 52nd Engineer Regiment, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- 112th Engineer Regiment, King's Royal Guard - (Template:Langx)
- Military District Commands - (Template:Langx)
- 11th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- Infantry Battalion, 11th Military District
- 11th Military Police Regiment
- Military Prison, 11th Military District
- Band Platoon, 11th Military District
- 12th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 12th Military District Company
- 12th Military Police Regiment
- Band Platoon, 12th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 12th Military District
- Military Prison, 12th Military District
- 13th Military District- (Template:Langx)
- 13th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 13th Military District
- Band Platoon, 13th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 13th Military District
- Military Prison, 13th Military District
- 14th Military District- (Template:Langx)
- 14th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 14th Military District
- Band Platoon, 14th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 14th Military District
- Military Prison, 14th Military District
- 15th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 15th Military District Regiment
- Military Police Company, 15th Military District
- Band Platoon, 15th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 15th Military District
- Military Prison, 15th Military District
- 16th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 16th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 16th Military District
- Band Platoon, 16th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 16th Military District
- 17th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 17th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 17th Military District
- Band Platoon, 17th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 17th Military District
- 18th Military District- (Template:Langx)
- 18th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 18th Military District
- Band Platoon, 18th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 18th Military District
- 19th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 19th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 19th Military District
- Band Platoon, 19th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 19th Military District
- 11th Military District - (Template:Langx)
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- 2nd Army Area (Template:Langx) – headquartered in Nakhon Ratchasima and is responsible for the northeastern quadrant.
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Army Area
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Army Corps
- 2nd Special Operations Training Company
- 22nd Signal Regiment, 2nd Army Area
- 21st Ranger Forces Regiment
- 22nd Ranger Forces Regiment
- 23rd Ranger Forces Regiment
- 26th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 3rd Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort Suranari, Nakhon Ratchasima Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division
- 3rd Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 8th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 13th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Artillery Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 3rd Artillery Regiment
- 8th Artillery Regiment
- 13th Artillery Regiment
- 103rd Artillery Regiment
- 8th Armoured Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Medical Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- Ordinance Company, 3rd Infantry Division - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Field Military Police Company, 21st Military Police Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 3, 3rd Infantry Division - (Template:Langx)
- 6th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort King Phutthayodfa Chulalok Maharat, Roi Et Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Infantry Division
- 6th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion (Designated as 2nd Army Area Rapid Deployment Force)
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 16th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 23rd Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 4th Infantry Battalion
- 6th Artillery Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 6th Artillery Regiment
- 16th Artillery Regiment
- 23rd Artillery Regiment
- 106th Artillery Regiment
- 6th Cavalry Squadron (Reconnaissance) - (Template:Langx)
- 21st Armoured Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 6th Anti-tank Company - (Template:Langx)
- 6th Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 6th Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 6th Medical Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 6th Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- Ordnance Company, 6th Infantry Division
- Quartermaster Company, 6th Infantry Division
- 2nd Field Military Police Company, 21st Military Police Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 6, 6th Infantry Division
- 3rd Cavalry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort Tinsulanonda, Khon Kaen Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Division
- 6th Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
- 6th Armoured Regiment, 6th Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 7th Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
- 14th Armoured Regiment, 7th Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Army Support Command
- Logistics Control Centre, 2nd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Logistic and Service Battalion - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Supply and Service Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Maintenance Regiment, 2nd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Ordnance Ammunition Regiment, 2nd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Transportation Regiment, 2nd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Medical Regiment, 2nd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Development Division - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Development Division
- 2nd Development Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 2nd Development Regiment- (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Combat Engineer Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 201st Combat Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 202nd Combat Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Support Division, 2nd Engineer Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Equipment Company, Support Division, 2nd Engineer Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Military Districts - (Template:Langx)
- 21st Military District - (Template:Langx)
- Infantry Battalion, 21st Military District
- 21st Military Police Regiment
- Band Platoon, 21st Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 21st Military District
- Military Prison, 21st Military District
- 22nd Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 22nd Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 22nd Military District
- Band Platoon, 22nd Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 22nd Military District
- Military Prison, 22nd Military District
- 23rd Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 23rd Military District Battalion
- Military Police Company, 23rd Military District
- Band Platoon, 23rd Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 23rd Military District
- Military Prison, 23rd Military District
- 24th Military District- (Template:Langx)
- 24th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 24th Military District
- Band Platoon, 24th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 24th Military District
- Military Prison, 24th Military District
- 25th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 25th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 25th Military District
- Band Platoon, 25th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 25th Military District
- 26th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 26th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 26th Military District
- Band Platoon, 26th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 26th Military District
- 27th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 27th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 27th Military District
- Band Platoon, 27th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 27th Military District
- 28th Military District- (Template:Langx)
- 28th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 28th Military District
- Band Platoon, 28th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 28th Military District
- 29th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 29th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 29th Military District
- Band Platoon, 29th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 29th Military District
- 210th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 210th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 210th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 210th Military District
- 21st Military District - (Template:Langx)
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- 3rd Army Area (Template:Langx) – headquartered in Phitsanulok, responsible for the northern and northwestern parts of the kingdom.
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Army Area
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Army Corps
- 3rd Special Operations Training Company
- 23rd Signal Regiment, 3rd Army Area
- 31st Ranger Forces Regiment
- 32nd Ranger Forces Regiment
- 33rd Ranger Forces Regiment
- 35th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 36th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 4th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort King Naresuan Maharat, Phitsanulok Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Division
- 4th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 7th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion (Designated as 3rd Army Area Rapid Deployment Force)
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 5th Infantry Battalion
- 14th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 4th Artillery Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 4th Artillery Regiment
- 7th Artillery Regiment
- 17th Artillery Regiment
- 104th Artillery Regiment
- 4th Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance) - (Template:Langx)
- 9th Armoured Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Medical Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- Ordnance Company, 4th Infantry Division
- Quartermaster Company, 4th Infantry Division
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 4, 4th Infantry Division
- 7th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort Chao Khun Nen, Chiang Mai Province )
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry Division
- 17th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 4th Infantry Battalion
- 1st Cavalry Division - (Template:Langx) (Fort Phokhun Pha Mueang, Phetchabun Province)
- 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division - (Template:Langx)
- 28th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division - (Template:Langx)
- 2nd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
- 7th Armoured Regiment, 2nd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 10th Armoured Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 15th Armoured Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
- 13th Armoured Regiment, 3rd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 18th Armoured Regiment, 3rd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 26th Armoured Regiment, 3rd Armoured Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 21st Artillery Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 20th Artillery Regiment
- 30th Artillery Regiment
- 8th Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 11th Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Long Range Reconnaissance Company, 1st Cavalry Division
- Ordnance Company, 1st Cavalry Division
- 1st Forward Maintenance Platoon, Ordnance Company
- 2nd Forward Maintenance Platoon, Ordnance Company
- Quartermaster Company, 1st Cavalry Division
- 2nd Field Military Police Company, 31st Military Police Regiment
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 7, 1st Cavalry Division
- 3rd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Army Support Command
- Logistics Control Centre, 3rd Army Support Command
- 23rd Supply and Service Regiment, 3rd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 23rd Maintenance Regiment, 3rd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 23rd Ordnance Ammunition Regiment, 3rd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 23rd Transportation Regiment, 3rd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 23rd Medical Regiment, 3rd Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Development Division - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company of 3rd Development Division
- 3rd Engineer Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 301st Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 302nd Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 3rd Development Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Support Division, 3rd Engineer Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Equipment Company, Support Division, 3rd Engineer Brigade
- Military Districts - (Template:Langx)
- 31st Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 31st Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 31st Military District
- Band Platoon, 31st Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 31st Military District
- Military Prison, 31st Military District
- 32nd Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 32nd Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 32nd Military District
- Band Platoon, 32nd Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 32nd Military District
- Military Prison, 32nd Military District
- 33rd Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 33rd Military District Battalion
- Military Police Company, 33rd Military District
- Band Platoon, 33rd Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 33rd Military District
- Military Prison, 33rd Military District
- 34th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 34th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 34th Military District
- Band Platoon, 34th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 34th Military District
- 35th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 35th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 35th Military District
- Band Platoon, 35th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 35th Military District
- 36th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 36th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 36th Military District
- Band Platoon, 36th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 36th Military District
- 37th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 37th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 37th Military District
- Band Platoon, 37th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 37th Military District
- 38th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 38th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 38th Military District
- Band Platoon, 38th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 38th Military District
- 39th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 39th Military District Company
- 31st Military Police Regiment
- Band Platoon, 39th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 39th Military District
- 310th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 310th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 310th Military District
- Band Platoon, 310th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 310th Military District
- 31st Military District - (Template:Langx)
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- 4th Army Area (Template:Langx) – headquartered in Nakhon Si Thammarat, responsible for southern Thailand, it is the area that serves as the frontine command for those engaged in South Thailand insurgency. Leaked diplomatic cables from 2006 said: "Military forces totaling approximately 35,000 troops fall under the command of the 4th Army....the 5th Inf Div and the 15th Development Division (three regiments) totaling approximately 20,000 troops are the main units of the 4th Army."
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Army Area
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Army Corps
- 24th Signal Regiment, 4th Army Area
- 41st Ranger Forces Regiment
- 42nd Ranger Forces Regiment
- 43rd Ranger Forces Regiment
- 44th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 45th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 46th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 47th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 48th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 49th Ranger Forces Regiment
- 5th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) – (Fort Thep Satri Srisunthorn, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company of 5th Infantry Division
- 5th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 15th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion (Designated as 4th Army Area Rapid Deployment Force)
- 4th Infantry Battalion
- 25th Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 5th Artillery Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 5th Artillery Regiment
- 15th Artillery Regiment
- 25th Artillery Regiment
- 105th Artillery Regiment
- 16th Cavalry Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 5th Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 5th Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 5th Medical Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 5th Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- Ordnance Company of 5th Infantry Division
- Quartermaster Company, 5th Infantry Division
- 1st Field Military Police Company of 41st Military Police Regiment
- Airfield Service and Control Tower Team 5, 5th Infantry Division
- 15th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx) – (Fort Ingkhayutthaborihan, Pattani Province)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 15th Infantry Division
- 151st Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 152nd Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- 153rd Infantry Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- Support Brigade, 15th Infantry Division - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- Transportation Regiment, Division Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 21st Supply and Service Regiment, Division Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- Maintenance Regiment, Division Support Command
- Medical Regiment, Division Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 31st Cavalry Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 15th Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 15th Signal Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 15th Long Range Reconnaissance Company - (Template:Langx)
- Military Intelligence Regiment, 15th Infantry Division
- 2nd Field Military Police Company, 41st Military Police Regiment
- 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Army Support Command
- Logistics Control Centre, 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 24th Supply & Service Regiment, 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 24th Maintenance Regiment, 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 24th Ordnance Ammunition Regiment, 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 24th Medical Supplies Depot, 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- 24th Transportation Regiment, 4th Army Support Command - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Army Support Command
- 4th Development Division - (Template:Langx) – US State Department cables leaked by Wikileaks in 2006 said: "The Development Division is itself a traditionally 'static unit' that provides engineering, construction and other support to local communities in the South. It is not formally charged with security operations. Indeed, Development Division officers were very proud in stating that they have better relations with the locals than other security elements — and have not been attacked while engaged in construction or relief efforts."<ref>06BANGKOK3883, 'Southern Violence: The army takes the lead,' 30 June 2006, para 8.</ref>
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Development Division
- 4th Engineer Brigade - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 4th Development Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 401st Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- 402nd Engineer Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Military Districts - (Template:Langx)
- 41st Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 41st Military District Company
- 41st Military Police Regiment
- Band Platoon, 41st Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 41st Military District
- Military Prison, 41st Military District
- 42nd Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 42nd Military District Regiment
- Military Police Company, 42nd Military District
- Band Platoon, 42nd Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 42nd Military District
- Military Prison, 42nd Military District
- 43rd Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 43rd Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 43rd Military District
- Band Platoon, 43rd Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 43rd Military District
- 44th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 44th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 44th Military District
- Band Platoon, 44th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 44th Military District
- 45th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 45th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 45th Military District
- Band Platoon, 45th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 45th Military District
- 46th Military District - (Template:Langx)
- 46th Military District Company
- Military Police Company, 46th Military District
- Band Platoon, 46th Military District
- Reserve Officer Training Centre, 46th Military District
- 41st Military District - (Template:Langx)
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command (Template:Langx) also known as Royal Thai Army Special force – headquartered in Thale Chup Son, Mueang Lopburi, Lopburi
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Warfare Command
- 35th Signal Regiment, Special Warfare Command
- Psychological Operations Regiment
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- Communication Media Production Company - (Template:Langx)
- Psychological Operations Campaign Companyy - (Template:Langx)
- Army Psychological Operations Company - (Template:Langx)
- 1st Psychological Operations Company
- 2nd Psychological Operations Company
- 3rd Psychological Operations Company
- 1st Special Forces Division - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Forces Division
- 1st Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Forces Regiment
- 1st Special Forces Battalion, 1st Special Forces Regiment
- 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 1st Special Forces Regiment
- 2nd Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Forces Regiment
- 1st Special Forces Battalion, 2nd Special Forces Regiment
- 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 2nd Special Forces Regiment
- 3rd Special Forces Regiment, King's Royal Guard (Airborne) - (Template:Langx)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Ranger Battalion, King's Royal Guard also known as Royal Thai Army Ranger - (Template:Langx)
- Special Operations Battalion, King's Royal Guard also known as Task Force 90 - (Template:Langx)
- 4th Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Special Forces Regiment
- 1st Special Forces Battalion, 4th Special Forces Regiment
- 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 4th Special Forces Regiment
- 5th Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Regiment
- 1st Special Forces Battalion, 5th Special Forces Regiment
- 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 5th Special Forces Regiment
- Special Warfare Centre
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Warfare Centre
- Special Warfare Battalion, Special Warfare Centre
- Special Warfare School, Special Warfare Centre - (Template:Langx)
- Quartermaster Aerial Supply Company - (Template:Langx)
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- Artillery Division - (Template:Langx) – Headquartered in Fort Sirikit, Mueang Lopburi, Lopburi
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Artillery Division
- Target Acquisition Battery
- 71st Artillery Brigade
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 711th Artillery Regiment
- 712th Artillery Regiment
- 713th Artillery Regiment
- 72nd Artillery Brigade
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 721st Artillery Regiment
- 722nd Artillery Regiment
- 723rd Artillery Regiment
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- Army Air Defence Command - (Template:Langx) - Headquartered in Si Kan, Don Mueang, Bangkok
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Army Air Defence Command
- Air Defence Division - (Template:Langx) - (Dusit District, Bangkok)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Air Defence Division
- 13th Signal Regiment, Air Defence Division
- Ordnance Company, Air Defence Division
- Quartermaster Company Air Defence Division
- 13th Medical Regiment
- 1st Air Defence Brigade
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 3rd Air Defence Regiment
- 5th Air Defence Regiment
- 6th Air Defence Regiment
- 7th Air Defence Regiment
- 2nd Air Defence Brigade
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
- 1st Air Defence Regiment
- 2nd Air Defence Regiment
- 4th Air Defence Regiment
- Army Air Defence Operations Centre
- 1st Army Air Defence Operations Centre
- 2nd Army Air Defence Operations Centre
- 3rd Army Air Defence Operations Centre
- 4th Army Air Defence Operations Centre
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- Engineer Division - (Template:Langx) - Headquartered in Fort Purachatra, Ko Phlappla, Mueang Ratchaburi, Ratchaburi
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Engineer Division
- 11th Engineer Brigade
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 111th Engineer Regiment
- 602nd Engineer Regiment
- Special Equipment Engineer Regiment
- 51st Engineer Regiment
- 11th Engineer Brigade
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Engineer Division
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- 1st Signal Brigade - (Template:Langx) - Headquartered in Fort Kamphaeng Phet Akkharayothin, Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- 101st Signal Regiment
- 102nd Signal Regiment
Template:Tree list/end Template:Tree list
- Royal Thai Army Aviation Centre - (Template:Langx) - Headquartered in Fort Somdej Phra Srinagarindra, Khao Phra Ngam, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi provides aerial transportation to the Royal Thai Army
- Aviation Regiment, Army Aviation Centre - (Template:Langx)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Aviation Regiment
- 1st Aviation Battalion "Hummingbird"
- 2nd Aviation Battalion "Freebird"
- 3rd Aviation Battalion "Raptor"
- 9th Aviation Battalion "Blackhawk"
- 21st Aviation Battalion "Blackbird"
- 41st Aviation Battalion "Goliath"
- Airbase Defence Regiment - (Template:Langx)
- Aviation Regiment, Army Aviation Centre - (Template:Langx)
Template:Tree list/end The creation of the 15th Infantry Division was announced in January 2005.<ref>Robert Karniol, 'Thailand boosts military in troubled south,' Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 February 2005, Vol. 42, No. 8, p. 12</ref> Defence Minister, General Samphan Boonyanan, was quoted as saying that the new unit, dubbed the "Development Division", would not be a combat unit for fighting Islamic militants, but rather its main mission would be to assist local citizens and develop the region. The military will not ignore its general function of providing safety for the citizens of the region, he added. He said that troops for the new division would undergo training to give them a good understanding of local residents, the vast majority of whom are ethnic Malay Muslims. The division is in fact a transformation of the Pranburi-based 16th Infantry Division. It will now be headquartered at Fort Ingkhayutthaborihan in Pattani, complete with its battalions and companies of military police and communications and aviation personnel, he said. It will also have three separate infantry battalions, one each in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Each battalion will include three companies of medical, engineering, and psychological warfare personnel, he said. The government will allocate a budget of more than 18 billion baht for the division over the next four years.<ref>Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, New Thai army regiment to battle southern militants [sic – this is a division], BBC Monitoring International Reports, 16 February 2005.</ref>
The 15th Infantry Division is being established as a permanent force to handle security problems in the Deep South. The division is based in Pattani and is expected to have a combined force of around 10,000. The establishment of this new division, approved by the government in 2005, has yet to be completed. As of this writing, some 7,000 troops deployed in the Deep South are affiliated to this division."<ref>International Crisis Group, 'Update Briefing: Stalemate in Southern Thailand,' Asia Briefing No. 113, Bangkok/Brussels, 3 November 2010, 3</ref> In 2012, two new combat formations had been approved by the thai government. The new 7th Infantry Division is based at Mae Rim, near Chiang Mai, and the new 3rd Cavalry Division is based at Khon Kaen.<ref>Interview: Sukumpol Suwanatat, Air Chief Marshal and Minister of Defence, JDW 15 August 2012, Vol. 49, Issue 33, 34.</ref>
Formations
Army formations are structured into 17 corps, split into 3 categories as shown below. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Component | Corps | Insignia and color | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Component | Infantry Corps | File:เหล่าทหารราบ.svg | Its duty is to conduct combat operations using the firepower of its personal weapons to seize territory and destroy the enemy. It has the capability to move independently without relying heavily on vehicles and is considered the branch with the largest number of soldiers. It is known by the title “Queen of the Battlefield.”
The insignia features crossed rifles with a cartridge belt. Its corps colour is White. |
| Cavalry Corps | File:เหล่าทหารม้า.svg | It conducts combat operations primarily using tanks and fast-moving vehicles, employing firepower to destroy and intimidate the enemy. It is an important combat branch and serves as one of the Army’s main fighting forces, alongside the infantry.
The insignia features crossed sabers with a horseshoe and a tank. Its corps colour is Dull Blue. | |
| Combat Support Component | Artillery Corps | File:เหล่าทหารปืนใหญ่.svg | It conducts combat using artillery firepower to destroy enemy strongpoints and to support infantry assaults. It also provides direct fire support and shields the infantry during attacks to enable their operations. It is nicknamed the “King of the Battlefield.”
The insignia features crossed cannons with a flaming grenade. Its corps colour is Yellow. |
| Engineer Corps | File:เหล่าทหารช่าง.svg | Its duties include constructing, modifying, and repairing roads and bridges. In addition, combat engineers can fight alongside infantry units during assaults on enemy fortifications or heavily reinforced positions.
The insignia features a crossed shovel and axe with an anchor. Its corps colour is Black. | |
| Signal Corps | File:เหล่าทหารสื่อสาร.svg | Its duty is to provide communications within and between units to support commanders and staff operations. It is also responsible for the procurement, distribution, and maintenance of communications equipment.
The insignia features a lightning bolt with a cogwheel. Its corps colour is Violet or directly translated from Thai as "Mango Purple Seed". | |
| Intelligence Corps | File:เหล่าทหารการข่าว.svg | Its duties include planning, directing, coordinating, supervising, and conducting intelligence and security operations, as well as preparing military intelligence personnel for assignments.
The insignia features a crossed lightning bolt and arrow with an eight-pointed star on a shield. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Combat Auxiliary Component | Ordnance Corps | File:เหล่าทหารสรรพาวุธ.svg | Its duties include researching and developing weapons and military equipment, as well as inspecting, storing, maintaining, advising on, and repairing various weapons to ensure they remain operational at all times.
The insignia features a flaming grenade. Its corps colour is Orange and Green. |
| Quartermaster Corps | File:เหล่าทหารพลาธิการ.svg | Its duties are to sustain and support military units by ensuring they are adequately provided with essential supplies and consumables. It is also responsible for replenishment, logistics support, storage, and distribution of unit supplies.
The insignia features crossed sabers with three cogwheels. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Medical Corps | File:เหล่าทหารแพทย์.svg | Its duties are to provide medical care and conduct medical operations during both peacetime and wartime. In wartime, it operates alongside infantry units on the front lines by providing first aid and evacuating the wounded from the battlefield to field hospitals.
The insignia features a pair of intertwined nagas serpents around a flaming torch. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Transport Corps | File:เหล่าทหารขนส่ง.svg | Its duties are to transport personnel and supplies for various Army units and other assigned organizations by land, water (inland waterways), and air. It is also responsible for overseeing all transportation operations within the Army.
The insignia features a ship’s wheel combined with a cogwheel and wings on a shield. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Combat Service Support Component | Adjutant General Corps | File:เหล่าทหารสารบรรณ.svg | Has duties in administrative operations, including the receipt, dispatch, and sorting of official documents; the appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, and transfer of personnel; matters relating to pensions, gratuities, and disciplinary actions; maintaining records of correspondence, military service affairs, and other related duties.
The insignia features a sword and a quill crossed together, with a book placed at the center of the emblem. It appears to have no corps colours. |
| Finance Corps | File:เหล่าทหารการเงิน.svg | Has duties in disbursing salaries, allowances, and various expenses, as well as supervising the expenditures of the military unit to ensure compliance with military rules and regulations.
The insignia features crossed swords combined with Erawan, a three-headed elephant. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Judge Advocate General Corps | File:เหล่าทหารพระธรรมนูญ.svg | Has duties in enforcing military laws and regulations, as well as carrying out all judicial processes involving individuals, soldiers, or military units.
The insignia features the scales of justice combined with a chakra wheel. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Survey Corps | File:เหล่าทหารแผนที่.svg | Has duties in preparing maps of various local areas for military units to use in movement and strategic operations, as well as surveying routes and updating map details to accurately reflect the actual terrain at all times.
The insignia features crossed swords combined with a surveying telescope. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Veterinarian Corps | File:เหล่าทหารการสัตว์.svg | Has duties in supporting military operations through the use of animals and agricultural activities of the Army, including planning, directing, and coordinating matters related to the affairs and equipment of the Army’s Animal Service Corps.
The insignia features crossed naga (serpents) combined with a horseshoe. It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Band Corps | File:เหล่าทหารดุริยางค์.svg | Has duties in providing entertainment to relieve stress among soldiers and military units, boosting morale and inspiring soldiers through music so that they remain motivated, proud of their warrior’s honor, and steadfast in performing their duties.
The insignia features a harp (lyre). It appears to have no corps colours. | |
| Military Police Corps | File:เหล่าทหารสารวัตร.svg | Has duties related to maintaining discipline, arresting soldiers who commit offenses, overseeing military prisons and traffic within military operations, ensuring security, conducting criminal investigations under military court jurisdiction, preventing and researching crimes within the Army, and managing matters concerning missing soldiers and prisoners of war.
The insignia features crossed pistols combined with a chakra wheel. It appears to have no corps colours. |
Tactical units
The army is organised into the following formations:
- 7 Standard Infantry Divisions
- 1 Mechanised Infantry Division
- 2 Light Infantry Divisions
- 3 Cavalry Divisions
- 1 Special Warfare Division trained and equipped for small unit Special forces and airborne operations
- 1 independent Artillery Division
- 1 Air Defence Division
- 5 Engineer Divisions
- 1 independent Signals Brigade
- 1 Aviation Regiment
Army Medical Department
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Army Medical Department (AMED) (Template:Lang) belongs to the service segment of the Royal Thai Army. It is in charge of medical affairs, and providing medical care, both in the field and on base, training personnel in research and agriculture and supervising the other medical divisions within the Royal Thai Army.
AMED observed 111 years of service in January 2011,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with 110 years of service having been honoured by issue of a series of commemorative stamps.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> AMED operates Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok and Ananda Mahidol Hospital in Lopburi, along with smaller hospitals at each fort, as well as Phramongkutklao College of Medicine (PCM).
Air Division
Royal Thai Army Aviation Center (Template:Lang) belongs to the service segment of the Royal Thai Army Areas:
- Don Mueang International Airport (VTBD)
- Units include the VIP squadron, flying two Embraer ERJ-135LRs (serial number 1084/HS-AMP and serial number 1124), two Jetstream 41s (serial numbers 41060 and 41094), two Casa 212–300s (serial numbers 446 and 447), and two Beech 1900C-1s (serial numbers 0169 and 0170) and the 1st Infantry Battalion operating two Bell 206Bs (serial numbers 4422 and 4448), three Schweizer S-300Cs (serial numbers 1340, 1366 and 1367), and two Cessna U-17B FAC aircraft (serial numbers 1616 and 1617).
- Bang Khen (3 km south of Don Mueang)
- The Royal Squadron flies three Bell 212s and two Bell 412s (serial numbers 36332 and 36333). There is also a special transport unit flying around 10–12 Bell 212s and one or two Bell 206s.
- Fort Surasi (Kanchanaburi)
- The 9th Infantry Division operates two Bell 206Bs (the serial number of one is 4424), and two or three Schweizer S-300Cs. There is also a detachment of UH-1Hs from an Air Mobility Company based here.
- Fort Chakraphong (Prachinburi)
- The "2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard", was operating two Bell 206Bs (serial numbers 4446 and 4361), three Schweizer S-300Cs (serial numbers 1343, 1344, and 1345), and two Maule MX-7s (one serial number known is 099) in 2004, however it is likely the Maule MX-7s may now not be operated by this unit now. A detachment of this unit (with, in 1998, one Bell 206 and one Maule MX-7) was operating from Watthana Nakhon (VTBW) near the Cambodian border.
- Phitsanulok Airport (VTPP)
- Loc 16 degrees 46'58.58N,100 degrees 16'44.84E elevation 154 feet/47 metres.
- Runway 14/32 length 9,843 x 148 feet (3,000 x 45 metres)
- Operating from here is the 4th Infantry Battalion with Bell 206Bs, Schweizer S-300Cs, Cessna U-17Bs, and Maule MX-7s.
- Fort Suranari (Khorat)
- The main flying unit here is the 3rd Infantry Battalion flying two Bell 206Bs (serial numbers 4396 and 4447), two Schweizer S-300Cs (serial numbers 1337 and 1339), and two Cessna U-17Bs (serial numbers 1454 and 1618).
- This field also hosts a detachment of up to three Bell 212 helicopters from one of the Air Mobility Companies.
- Fort Princess Srinagarindra (Lopburi), the main base complex of Royal Thai Army Aviation, including training, technical school, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft storage. The main airfield here is called Sa Pran Nak (VTBH).
- Loc 14 degrees 56'58.02N, 100 degrees 38'34.88E elevation 95 feet (29 metres).
- Runways 01/19 3,300 x 98 feet (1,006 x 30 metres) and 06/24 3,890 x 98 feet (1,186 x 30 metres)
- Operating units here include:
- Gong Bin Bau ( Light Aviation Company ) – operating Cessna U-17Bs, Cessna T-41s, and Searcher MKIIs
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Nung ( 1st Air Mobility Company ) – operating Bell UH-1Hs and Bell 212s
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Song ( 2nd Air Mobility Company ) – operating Bell UH-1Hs (US Excess Defense Articles Program) and Bell 212s
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Sam ( 3rd Air mobility Company ) – operating Bell UH-1Hs, Bell 206Bs, Bell AH-1F Huey Cobras (eight) and Bell 212s
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Gou (pasom) ( 9th Air Mobility Company ) [Mixed]) – operating Bell UH-1Hs (US Excess Defense Articles Program) and Sikorsky S-70-43 Black Hawks (six) with six more on order.
- Gong Bin Sanub-sanoon Tua Pai (General Support Aviation Battalion) – operating Boeing CH-47D Chinooks, Bell UH-1Hs, and Mil Mi-17V5s
- The army aviation centre is based here, which conducts conversion training for the army. Types operated are Cessna T-41Bs (ex-US army surplus), Maule MX-7s, and Schweizer S-300C piston trainer helicopters.
- The two former VIP Beechcraft 200 King Air aeroplanes (serial numbers 0342 and 1165), are also based here. Their present role is unknown. These aeroplanes were modified in the US in the late 1990s.
- A separate airfield within the Lopburi complex (around 3 km south of Sa Pran Nak) houses the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Company. This unit is responsible for maintenance and storage of army aircraft and helicopters.
- The 5th Infantry Division operates the following aviation assets from a small airfield within the army reserve at Nakhon Si Thammarat (not at the airport): two Bell 206B-3s (serial numbers 4382 and 4427), three Schweizer TH-300Cs (serial numbers 1371, 1372, and 1373) and two Maule MX-7s (serial numbers 114 and 115). A detachment of helicopters can be found here from the Air Mobility Companies based at Lopburi.
Military districts
The army is divided into districts, whereby the first digit of the district indicates the army (first, second, third or fourth) responsible for its supervision. The names of forts are from locations or influential figures in Thailand's history. These are as follows:
| Military district number | Provinces under control | Headquarters location |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan | Laksi, Bangkok |
| 12 | Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao | Fort Chakraphong, Prachinburi |
| 13 | Lopburi, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong | Fort King Narai Maharat, Lopburi |
| 14 | Chonburi, Rayong | Fort Nawaminthrachini, Chonburi |
| 15 | Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan | Fort Ramratchaniwet, Phetchaburi |
| 16 | Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon | Fort Phanurangsi, Ratchaburi |
| 17 | Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri | Fort Surasi, Kanchanaburi |
| 18 | Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya | Fort Adisorn, Saraburi |
| 19 | Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat | Fort Surasinghanat, Sa Kaeo |
| 21 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum | Fort Suranari, Nakhon Ratchasima |
| 22 | Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen | Fort Sapphasitthiprasong, Ubon Ratchathani |
| 23 | Khon Kaen, Kalasin | Fort Sripatcharin, Khon Kaen |
| 24 | Udon Thani, Nong Khai | Fort Prachaksinlapakhom, Udon Thani |
| 25 | Surin, Sisaket | Fort Weerawatyothin, Surin |
| 26 | Buriram, Maha Sarakham | Fort Somdej Chao Phraya Kasatsuek, Buriram |
| 27 | Roi Et, Yasothon | Fort Prasertsongkhram, Roi Et |
| 28 | Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu | Fort Srisongrak, Loei |
| 29 | Sakon Nakhon, Bueng Kan | Fort Kritsiwara, Sakon Nakhon |
| 210 | Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan | Fort Phra Yod Mueang Khwang, Nakhon Phanom |
| 31 | Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani | Fort Chiraprawat, Nakhon Sawan |
| 32 | Lampang | Fort Surasak Montri, Lampang |
| 33 | Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun | Fort Kawila, Chiang Mai |
| 34 | Phayao | Fort Khun Chueang Thammikkarat, Phayao |
| 35 | Uttaradit, Phrae | Fort Phichai Dabhak, Uttaradit |
| 36 | Phetchabun, Phichit | Fort Phokhun Pha Mueang, Phetchabun |
| 37 | Chiang Rai | Fort King Mengrai Maharat, Chiang Rai |
| 38 | Nan | Fort Suriyaphong, Nan |
| 39 | Phitsanulok, Sukhothai | Fort King Naresuan Maharat, Phitsanulok |
| 310 | Tak | Fort Wachiraprakan, Tak |
| 41 | Nakhon Si Thammarat (except Thung Song District), Phuket | Fort Vajiravudh, Nakhon Si Thammarat |
| 42 | Songkhla, Phatthalung, Satun | Fort Senanarong, Songkhla |
| 43 | Nakhon Si Thammarat (only Thung Song District), Krabi, Trang | Fort Thep Satri Srisunthorn, Nakhon Si Thammarat |
| 44 | Chumphon, Ranong | Fort Khet Udomsak, Chumphon |
| 45 | Surat Thani, Phang Nga | Fort Vibhavadi Rangsit, Surat Thani |
| 46 | Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala | Fort Ingkhayutthaborihan, Pattani |
Budget
The RTA budget for FY2021 is 107,662 million baht, down from 112,815M baht in FY2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
List of military engagements
.jpg){kind=link}
_Arc_de_Triomphe_WW1_1919.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
- Burmese–Siamese wars
- Siamese–Vietnamese wars
- Anglo-Siamese War
- Siege of Bangkok
- First Anglo-Burmese War
- Haw wars
- Franco-Siamese conflict
- Holy Man's Rebellion
- World War I
- Boworadet rebellion
- World War II
- Cold War
- Korean War
- Malayan Emergency
- Laotian Civil War
- Cambodian Civil War
- Vietnam War
- Communist insurgency in Thailand
- Communist insurgency in Malaysia
- Communist insurgency in Burma
- Third Indochina War
- Indochina refugee crisis
- Cambodian conflict (1979–1998)
- Cambodian–Vietnamese War
- Vietnamese border raids in Thailand
- Thai–Laotian Border War
- Persian Gulf War
- War on drugs
- 1999 East Timorese crisis
- Global War on Terrorism
- Operation Pochentong
- Southern Insurgency
- United Nations peacekeeping
- Cambodian–Thai border stand-off
- Thai political crisis
- 1933 Siamese coup d'état
- Siamese coup d'état of 1947
- Siamese coup d'état of 1948
- Army General Staff plot (1948)
- Silent Coup (1951)
- 1973 Thai popular uprising
- 1976 Thai coup d'état and 6 October massacre
- October 1977 Thai coup d'état
- 1981 Thai military rebellion
- 1985 Thai coup d'état attempt
- 1991 Thai coup d'état
- 2006 Thai coup d'état
- 2009 Thai political unrest
- 2010 Thai political protests
- 2014 Thai coup d'état
Equipment
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Rank structure
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/BlankTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/ThailandBusinesses and infrastructure
The army owns more than 30 golf courses nationwide. The army also owns boxing stadium, 100 petrol stations, racecourses, hotels, retail and coffee shops, and radio and television airwaves (by one count, the armed forces have ownership in 537 radio and TV stations).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In early 2020, the army entered an agreement with the Finance Ministry to turn over to the ministry the management of businesses unrelated to the army's mission.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a related move, army commander General Apirat Kongsompong decreed that retired generals must move out of army-owned housing to free space for serving officers. Template:Asof, about 100 retired generals and colonels inhabit army accommodations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Some ex-generals, like PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan were exempted immediately from eviction because of their "contribution to society".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Thai Defence Ministry position is that there is no law prohibiting retired officers from occupying military housing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In January 2021, the RTA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to study the feasibility of constructing solar farms on 4.5 million rai of army land to generate 30,000 megawatts of electricity. Following up, on 22 February 2021 a meeting was called by the President of Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5 with energy firms interested in winning a piece of what is projected to be a 600 billion baht project. The Energy Ministry was not represented at the meeting. Critics have questioned why the army is involved in energy procurement, in contravention of existing regulations, and why Thailand needs more electricity when it already has 59% reserve capacity and more capacity under construction.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Broadcasting
Radio and television channel list
Free-to-air TV
Satellite TV
Radio
- Royal Thai Army Radio Network, all 126 stations
See also
- Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
- Royal Thai Army Radio and Television
- Border Patrol Police
- Thahan Phran
- Battle of Phou Pha Thi, (Northeastern Laos, March 1968) covert Border Patrol "volunteers"
- Thai–Laotian Border War
- Cambodian–Thai border dispute
- Chao Phraya Bodindecha
- Military history of Thailand
- Rajabhakti Park
- Special forces of Thailand
References
External links
- Template:Official website
- 'WiFi fee' deduction from army salaries probed. 14 June 2024. Bangkok Post.
Template:Military of Thailand Template:Association of SouthEast Asian Nations Armed Forces Template:Military of Asia Template:Authority control