Royal Thai Army facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Royal Thai Army
กองทัพบกไทย
Emblem of the Royal Thai Army
Active	8 May 1874 (151 years)
Country	Thailand
Allegiance	King of Thailand
Type	Army
Role	Ground warfare
Size	210,000 (est.)
Part of	Royal Thai Armed Forces Ministry of Defence
HQ	Royal Thai Army Headquarters, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Motto(s)	เพื่อชาติ ศาสน์ กษัตริย์ และประชาชน ("For the Nation, Religions, Monarchy, and People")
Colours	Red
March	มาร์ชกองทัพบก (Army March)
Anniversaries	18 January (Royal Thai Armed Forces Day)
Engagements	Haw wars Franco-Siamese War World War I Western Front Boworadet rebellion World War II Franco–Thai War Pacific War Burma Campaign Malayan Campaign Cold War Korean War Malayan Emergency Laotian Civil War Cambodian Civil War Vietnam War Communist insurgency in Thailand Communist insurgency in Malaysia Cambodian–Vietnamese War Vietnamese border raids in Thailand Thai–Laotian Border War Persian Gulf War International Force East Timor Global War on Terrorism Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War OEF - Afghanistan OEF - Horn of Africa Operation Pochentong Southern Insurgency United Nations peacekeeping United Nations Iraq–Kuwait Observation Mission United Nations Operation in Burundi United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan United Nations Mission in Sudan Cambodian–Thai border stand-off 2008 Thai political crisis
Commanders
Commander-in-chief	General Apirat Kongsompong
Notable commanders	Phraya Phahonphonphayuhasena Plaek Phibunsongkhram Sarit Thanarat Thanom Kittikachorn Prem Tinsulanonda Chavalit Yongchaiyudh Suchinda Kraprayoon Surayud Chulanont Sonthi Boonyaratglin Prayut Chan-o-cha
Insignia
Royal Thai Army Flag
Unit Colour

The Royal Thai Army (Thai: กองทัพบกไทย) is the main land force of Thailand. Its job is to protect Thailand's sovereignty (meaning its right to govern itself). It is the oldest and largest part of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The army was officially started in 1874. This was around the time the Bowring Treaty was signed with Britain. This treaty helped open Thailand up for international trade.

What Does the Royal Thai Army Do?

The Royal Thai Army protects Thailand from threats. These threats can come from inside the country or from other countries. They make sure the country stays safe and peaceful.

How Big is the Army?

The Royal Thai Army has about 210,000 soldiers. This makes it a very large army. It is an important part of Thailand's defense.

Where is the Army Based?

The main headquarters of the Royal Thai Army is in Bangkok. It is located on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in the Phra Nakhon District.

History of the Royal Thai Army

The Royal Thai Army has a long and interesting history. It has been involved in many important events.

When Was the Army Formed?

The army was formed on May 8, 1874. This means it has been protecting Thailand for over 140 years.

Important Conflicts and Peacekeeping Missions

The Royal Thai Army has taken part in many battles and peacekeeping efforts.

Early Conflicts

• Haw wars: These were conflicts in the late 1800s.
• Franco-Siamese War: A war with France in 1893.
• World War I: Thai soldiers helped on the Western Front in Europe.
• World War II: They were involved in the Franco–Thai War and battles in Burma and Malaya.

Cold War Era

During the Cold War, the army was part of several conflicts:

• Korean War: Thai soldiers helped in Korea.
• Vietnam War: They also took part in the Vietnam War.
• Insurgencies in Thailand: The army fought against communist groups inside Thailand.

Modern Operations

In more recent times, the Royal Thai Army has been involved in:

• Persian Gulf War: They helped in this conflict.
• International Force East Timor: They helped keep peace in East Timor.
• Global War on Terrorism: They supported efforts in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
• UN Peacekeeping: The army sends soldiers to help keep peace around the world. They have served in places like Sudan and Darfur.

Leaders of the Army

The Royal Thai Army has had many important leaders. The current leader is called the Commander-in-chief.

Notable Commanders

Many famous people have led the Royal Thai Army. Some of them include:

• Plaek Phibunsongkhram
• Sarit Thanarat
• Prayut Chan-o-cha

Symbols of the Royal Thai Army

The army has special symbols that represent it.

Army Flag

The Royal Thai Army Flag is an important symbol. It shows the army's pride and history.

Unit Colour

Each unit in the army has its own special flag called a Unit Colour.

Images for kids

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  The Ministry of Defence, Bangkok

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  King's Guard at Grand Palace

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  11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard

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  Royal Thai Army welcome members of Cobra Gold 2016

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  Phramongkutklao Hospital

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  Thai army infantrymen board a RTA UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, 1992

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  UH-60L Black Hawk during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

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  Mil Mi-17 V5 during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

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  UH-60L Black Hawk during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

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  AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

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  Army of Thailand in Haw wars (1875)

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  The Siamese Expeditionary Force in Paris, 1919

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  Thailand soldiers arriving at Busan

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  Five statues honour the army, navy, air force, police, and populace at Victory Monument.

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  Thai soldiers wash in a small pool during a break in operations, Nhon Trac, 19 October 1967

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  Military Police stop traffic to allow the 2+1⁄2-ton trucks carrying members of the Black Panther Division to leave Newport Docks, en route to Bearcat, 22 July 1968

See also

In Spanish: Real Ejército Tailandés para niños