The
Royal Thai Armed Forces is the name of the military
of Thailand. It has four main branches, the Royal
Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes the Royal Thai
Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, in addition to
Paramilitary Forces. Royal Thai Armed Forces Day is
January 18, to commemorate the victory of King Naresuan
which is presumed to have occurred on this date in
1593. The constitution defines the main role of the
Royale Armed Forces as being responsible for the defence
of the country, the national interests and the institution
of the constitutional monarchy. The total forces of
the Royale Thai Armed Forces is about 330,000 soldiers,
with 11,000 border and 50,000 provincial Police for
the paramilitary forces.
The Land Forces of Thai Army is about 236,000 soldiers,
to be reduced to 190,000 soldiers, and a reserve forces
of 500,000 soldiers.
The general land forces structure of Royal Thai Army
is 4 Army HQ compose by :
- the central army area with 4 infantry divisions,
and 1 support division
- the North-East army with 3 infantry divisions, and
1 support division
- the Northern army, with one infantry division, one
armoured division, and one support division
- the Southern army, with 2 infantry divisions, one
support division
Other units :
- 2 Special Forces divisions
- 4 battalion rapid deployment forces