| กระทรวงกลาโหม | |
 Seal of the Ministry of Defence of Thailand | |
| Ministry overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1887 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Thailand |
| Headquarters |
Ministry of Defence HQ, Sanamchai Rd., Bangkok 10200  |
| Annual budget | 143,518,901,100 Baht (2008) |
| Minister responsible |
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| Ministry executives |
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| Website | Mod.go.th |
The Ministry of Defence (Thai language: กระทรวงกลาโหม; rtgs: Krasuang Kalahom; Abrv: MOD), is a Cabinet level government department of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ministry controls and manage the Royal Thai Armed Forces, as well as maintaining national security, territorial integrity and national defence. The Armed Forces of Thailand is made up of three main branches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Air Force. Although the King of Thailand is the Supreme Head of the Thai Armed Forces (Thai language: จอมทัพไทย) his position is only nominal. The Ministry and the Forces are instead administered by an appointed politician: the Minister of Defence, a member of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post of Minister of Defence has been hold by Sutin Klungsang, who succeeded General Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2023.
History[]
- Samuha Kalahom redirects here
Initially the Ministry was called "Samuha Kalahom" (Thai language: สมุหกลาโหม) or Kalahom Department, and was charged with the protection the Southern border. It was founded in the late Ayutthaya period and was retained in the Rattanakosin period. The Ministry in its current form was formed in 1887, under the orders of King Chulalongkorn the Great, to create a permanent military command. This was a result of the increasing threat Western powers were having on the country. The actual Ministry was housed in an old horse and elephant stable, opposite the Grand Palace. A new European style building was however build to house it. At first the Ministry only commanded the Army (founded in 1847), it then incorporated the Navy (founded in 1887) and finally the Air Force (founded in 1913).
The Secretariat[]
Ministry of Defence of Thailand, on Sanamchai Road, opposite the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Flag of the Minister of Defence
The Ministry, like any other government department, is headed by the secretariat who helps the Minister and Deputy Ministers exercise their authority and administer the department.
- Permanent Secretary: General Sanitchanok Sangkhachan
- Deputy Permanent Secretary: General Adinan Chaiyarerk
- Deputy Permanent Secretary: Admiral Supapat Yuthavong
- Deputy Permanent Secretary: Air Chief Marshal Surarit Kitchathorn
- Deputy Permanent Secretary: General Tharapong Malakham
Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters[]
Formerly the Supreme Command HQ (until February 2008), the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters is situated in Bangkok and is a joint committee of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in charge of Military planning and execution.
Chief Commanders[]
- Chief of Defence Forces: General Songwit Noonpakdee
- Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: General Ukrit Boontanon
- Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: General Thitichai Thienthong
- Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: Admiral Suwin Jangyodsuk
- Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: Air Chief Marshal Nonsi Intharalee
- Chief of Joint Staff: General Manas Chandi
Royal Thai Armed Forces[]
Royal Thai Army[]
The Royal Thai Army is the land forces of the Thai armed forces. The Army is generally divided into four Army Groups, however it is entirely commanded from Bangkok.
- Commander-in-Chief: General Pana Klaewblaudtuk
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief: General Nattawut Nakanakorn
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Wasu Jiamsuk
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Chitsanupong Rodsiri
- Chief of Staff of the Army: General Thongchai Rodyoi
[]
The Royal Thai Navy is the sea forces of the kingdom. It comprises several surface light and heavy vessels including one aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Nareubet. The Navy also oversees the Royal Thai Marine Corps.
- Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Jirapol Wongwit
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Chonlathit Navanukroh
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Pichit Srirungruang
- Chief of Staff of the Navy: Admiral Pairote Fuengchan
Royal Thai Air Force[]
The Royal Thai Air Force is the air wing of the Thai armed forces. It is one of the oldest Air forces in the world, founded in 1913. It currently provides air defence and air transport for the other branches.
- Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Chainat Polkit
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Seksan Khantha
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Kidkhuan Sudsup
- Chief of Staff of the Air Force: Air Chief Marshal Wachiraphon Muangnoi
Other Agencies[]
- The War Veterans Department
- Battery Organization
- The Leather Tanning Organization
Associated Organizations[]
- Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School
- National Defence College of Thailand
- Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
- Royal Thai Naval Academy
References[]
External links[]
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The original article can be found at Ministry of Defence (Thailand) and the edit history here.