The Thai army is considered one of the strongest in Southeast Asia and has a long history and rich fighting traditions. By the way, Thailand (then it was still called Siam) is the only country on the Indochina Peninsula that never became a colony. When neighboring Burma was captured by the British, and Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos by the French, Siam managed to maintain political independence. And although a number of territories were torn away from the country, skillfully balancing between the interests of the powers, Siam was able to remain independent. Interestingly, since the second half of the 19th century, the kings of Siam have tried to establish good relations with Russia. In a distant northern country that had no colonial ambitions in Indochina, the Siamese monarchs saw a possible defender of the aggressive foreign policy of the European colonial powers. In 1891, the heir to the Russian imperial throne, Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich Romanov, visited Siam, and in 1897 the Siamese king paid a return visit to St. Petersburg. Since 1897, the Russian consulate has functioned in Siam. Prince Chakrabon was educated in St. Petersburg, and for some time trained in one of the regiments of the Russian imperial army.
Guerrilla wars are the main threat to order in the country
Thailand faced many trials both before the start of World War II and in the post-war period. In the second half of the twentieth century, one of the most important internal political problems of the country was the activity of armed rebel groups on its territory. The Thai guerrillas were divided into at least three groups. First, they were the armed forces of the Thai Communist Party. As in other countries of Indochina, after the end of the Second World War, the communists became more active in Thailand, hoping to carry out revolutionary transformations in the country along the lines of neighboring North Vietnam. In 1960-1961. there was a transition of the Communist Party of Thailand to Maoist positions, after which it decided to go over to armed resistance to the Thai regime. The People's Liberation Army of Thailand was created, supported by the Chinese and Vietnamese special services and operating mainly in the northern and northeastern provinces of the country. The Communists managed to pretty much spoil the nerves of the Thai leadership, although they did not acquire positions comparable to those that they occupied in the neighboring countries of Indochina. By the late 1980s - early 1990s. the guerrilla war waged by the communists gradually came to an end - without support from China, the Thai communists found themselves in a state of crisis and soon ceased armed resistance.
In addition to the communists, separatist armed groups of national minorities have operated in the jungles of Thailand since the post-war years. Many of them are active up to the present time - on the western borders of the country. From Thailand to neighboring Myanmar (Burma) and back, Karen and Shan partisan detachments infiltrate, waging an armed struggle for the creation of independent states of Karen and Shan on the territory of Myanmar. Naturally, the presence of foreign fighters on its territory gives the Thai government little positive emotions, especially when the guerrillas overstep the boundaries of reason and begin to commit crimes in Thai settlements.
Finally, the third and most serious threat to the political order in several provinces of Thailand are Muslim radicals. The southern provinces of the country are home to an impressive number of ethnic Malays who practice Islam. Actually, these provinces are part of Malaya, at one time captured by the Siamese kings. Naturally, the Malay population, which feels ethnic and confessional kinship with the residents of neighboring Malaysia, hopes to secede from Thailand and reunite with Malaysia. Since the 1970s. among the Malays of Thailand, radical Islamist ideas became widespread. Malay separatists want to create the state of Great Pattani. On the other hand, in the border areas with Malaysia, armed units of the Communist Party of Malaya operated for a long time. Only by the beginning of the 1990s. their resistance ceased. Thus, in the south of the country, the royal government of Thailand found itself a serious opponent.
Guerrilla warfare in the northern, northeastern and southern provinces of Thailand has caused the need to improve the forms and methods of activity of the Thai army and other power structures. Traditional methods of waging war are ineffective against guerrilla formations, and the Thai military command in the second half of the twentieth century had to start creating and developing its own special forces modeled on the American "green berets" and other commando formations. The Vietnam War, in which the Thai armed forces also took part, played a role. Currently, all types of the Thai armed forces, as well as police structures, have their own special forces.
Army, guards, air special forces
The Thai ground forces include the Special Operations Forces, which include 2 Special Forces Infantry Divisions and 1 Reserve Special Forces Infantry Division. These are the most massive units of the Thai army special forces, focused on the implementation of tasks to combat the rebels. To solve operational tasks, the Rapid Deployment Forces were created, the basis of which was the 3rd Battalion of the 31st Infantry Regiment, stationed at Camp Yeravan. Formally, the Rapid Deployment Forces are part of the 1st Army, in fact they are at the direct disposal of the army command and can be deployed anywhere in the country in the shortest possible time. The Rapid Deployment Force consists of two infantry companies, one aviation company, one artillery battery, one tank company, one sapper platoon, and an air defense unit. In terms of its characteristics, the Rapid Deployment Forces are identical to the army battalion, but they have greater mobility and autonomy. The Rapid Deployment Force is supported by the Army Aviation Center.
The Royal Guard of Thailand has its own special unit. The Royal Guard of Thailand is one of the oldest branches of the country's armed forces. Back in 1859, Prince Chulalongkorn created the first squad of royal guards. In 1868, when he became king, Chulalongkorn formed a detachment of 24 bodyguards. After a trip to Russia, the king of Thailand introduced uniforms modeled on the Russian imperial army, which existed in the royal guard until the 1970s. The Royal Guard includes not only ceremonial units, but also security and special forces units. The fourth battalion of the Royal Guard was formed to protect the royal family and the country's leading statesmen. Since the early 1980s. he took over the functions of an anti-terrorist unit as well. The size of the battalion is small - only 140 soldiers and officers, including a command section of two people and six combat teams of 23 people each. The combat teams, in turn, are divided into four combat and two sniper sections.
The Royal Thai Guard includes the Queen's 21st Infantry Regiment. It was created on September 22, 1950 to participate in the UN peacekeeping operation in Korea. For the courage shown by its soldiers and officers during the Korean War, the regiment received the name "Little Tiger". The regiment's servicemen participated in the Vietnam War on the side of the United States as volunteers, then regularly took part in operations against the communist rebels on the territory of Thailand proper. The regiment includes 1 infantry and 2 infantry battalions of the Queen's guard.
The Thai Air Force has a Special Operations Squadron. Its number reaches 100 people. The squadron of aviation special forces includes a commando company of three combat platoons with two combat sections in each. The squadron is stationed at Don Muant airport. As you might guess, the main profile of the aviation special forces is the fight against hijacking and hijacking of aircraft, as well as the protection of aviation facilities. Thai Aviation Special Forces is being trained according to the methods of the Australian Special Air Service (SAS).
Marine Corps Special Forces
Perhaps the most famous and effective special forces of the Thai armed forces are the special forces of the Thai Navy. The Special Maritime Warfare Command includes an amphibious company from the Royal Marines Reconnaissance Battalion and the SEAL of the Royal Thai Navy. The Royal Thai Marine Corps is the oldest elite unit in the country's military. The first marines were created in 1932. With the participation of American military instructors, the first battalion of the Marine Corps was formed, which was enlarged to the size of a regiment in 1940 and proved itself well during operations against the communist insurgents in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1960s. the regiment was increased in size to a brigade, and from the 1970s. the country's Marine Corps had two brigades created and trained with the help of American instructors.
In 1972 and 1973. the Thai Marine Corps played an important role in anti-insurgency operations in the provinces of Northern and Northeastern Thailand, and in 1973-1974. - in anti-insurgency operations in the provinces of southern Thailand. At present, it is the marines that are serving to protect the state border in the provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat, and are fighting the Malay separatists in the southern provinces of the country. The Marine Corps currently has one Marine Division. It includes three regiments of marines with three battalions in each (one of the battalions of the marines is part of the royal guard and performs both ceremonial and operational functions), 1 artillery regiment of the marines with 3 artillery and 1 anti-aircraft artillery battalions in composition, 1 assault battalion of the Marine Corps and 1 reconnaissance battalion of the Marine Corps.
In 1965, an amphibious reconnaissance company was created as part of the Marine Corps. It was tasked with conducting reconnaissance operations, identifying explosive barriers, reconnaissance of the coast and preparing it for the landing of larger units. The effectiveness of the unit contributed to the fact that in November 1978, a reconnaissance battalion of the Marine Corps was created on the basis of the company. The battalion includes a headquarters company with a canine platoon, an amphibious company with a unit of combat swimmers, two motorized companies on armored vehicles, and an anti-terrorist group. The reconnaissance battalion can operate both independently and as part of various marine regiments. In particular, battalion companies can be attached to marine regiments to solve operational tasks. The Reconnaissance Battalion has a higher level of training than other Marines. In particular, they undergo a three-month training program under the amphibious reconnaissance course at the Center for Special Warfare in Sattahip, in accordance with which they master the tactics of amphibious assault operations, ground special operations, and special reconnaissance.
After graduating from the Special Warfare Center, future Marine scouts undergo an airborne training course. They are required eight parachute jumps and two parachute jumps into the water, after which the cadets receive the qualification of a parachutist. Also, the battalion fighters regularly train together with the fighters of the US Marine Corps special forces. American military instructors in general traditionally play a key role in the training of special forces of the Thai army, air force and naval forces, since Thailand remains one of the key military partners of the United States in Southeast Asia and cooperation with it, including in the military education is of strategic interest to the United States.
The reconnaissance battalion is the elite of the Thai marines, but inside the reconnaissance battalion there is also a "special unit in the special forces" - an amphibious reconnaissance company. It faces the task of conducting reconnaissance not only during ground amphibious operations, but also under water, as well as the fight against insurgents and terrorism. The main emphasis in training amphibious company fighters is on preparing for operations in the waters of rivers - after all, it is in river basins that the Marines most often have to act as part of counter-insurgency companies. Unlike other companies in the reconnaissance battalion, the amphibious company also undergoes light diving training, since its fighters can be assigned the task of conducting submarine operations.
Fighting swimmers - the elite of the naval special forces
As part of the Royal Thai Navy, there is a small but highly skilled and effective special forces unit - SEAL, or the Naval Special Warfare Group. In the structure of the Thai Navy, it has the status of a department and includes a headquarters, three special operations units, a training center and combat and logistics support units. SEAL is faced with tasks in the field of underwater special operations, primarily demolition work, but also other types of reconnaissance and sabotage operations behind enemy lines. The history of the creation of SEAL dates back to the post-war period, when the Thai naval command became interested in the experience of submarine sabotage units from other countries of the world. After lengthy consultations, in 1952 it was decided to create a team of underwater blasting operations. To this end, the officers of the Thai naval forces enlisted the support of the United States, however, during the period under review, the American Navy was acutely aware of the lack of qualified instructors in underwater blasting operations, so the creation of a similar team in the Thai Royal Navy had to be postponed. However, as early as the next 1953, the US CIA was instructed to provide assistance to Thailand in the training of naval submarine subversive teams and an air group to reinforce the Royal Thai Police. For this, special instructors from similar American units were allocated and methodological support was organized.
On the island of Zulu on March 4, 1953, training began for the first group of cadets, which included seven Navy officers and eight police officers. After completing the training of the first group of cadets, the command of the Thai Navy announced the creation of a training center for training specialists in underwater blasting operations. Finally, in 1954, the first group of combat swimmers was formed. Since then, submarine demolitions have been the real elite of the Thai Navy's special forces. In 1956, the group of combat swimmers was increased to a platoon of submarine demolition teams. In 1965, the unit already included two platoons. The first platoon - SEAL - was tasked with carrying out reconnaissance and special operations, including the elimination of the enemy's political and military leaders. The second platoon - UDT - focused directly on the implementation of underwater subversive operations. In 1971, the staff of the team was approved, consisting of two platoons - an underwater assault team and an underwater subversive team. In 2008, the teams were organized into the Naval Special Operations Command. The number of the command reaches 400 officers and sailors. The command includes two SEAL teams. Each such team is a company-level unit, consisting of 4 platoons and numbering 144 troops. The team is headed by an officer with the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Captain 2nd Rank). Finally, the Naval Special Operations Command includes a classified weapons suppression team.
For service in submarine command units, the most trained and most suitable in terms of their psychological and physical qualities are selected military personnel of the Thai naval forces. The training course lasts 6-7 months. In most streams, up to 70% of cadets are eliminated. Few are able to withstand the "hell week" - brutal tests before being selected for the unit. During training, cadets study the techniques of national and world hand-to-hand combat systems, master all types of small arms and cold weapons, study the tactics of special operations on water and in the coastal zone, methods of underwater sabotage, special reconnaissance, and undergo parachute training. Completes the preparation "hell week". For a whole week, cadets are forced to experience severe physical and psychological stress at the limit of human capabilities. Thailand is home to the only dedicated tank for scuba diving training in Southeast Asia. Cadets are taught to dive to a depth of 30 meters without scuba gear and other devices. Of course, such intense training weeks often lead to serious injuries and even deaths among cadets applying for service in diving units. But, despite the dangers, the flow of those wishing to continue serving in the elite division of the Thai Navy does not subside. Most applicants for service are eliminated in the preparation process and only the best fighters reach the final enrollment in the units. Scuba divers often conduct joint training and exercises with similar units in the US Navy. The Thailand-US joint training of combat swimmers and submarine demolition units is held five times a year.
In recent years, the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking has been added to the priority tasks of the Thai naval special forces. Naval commandos carry out the fight against drug trafficking in the Andaman Sea, collecting intelligence information about the activities of the drug mafia. In addition, naval special forces units are regularly involved in the performance of functions to ensure the security of naval bases and the command of the Navy, and to protect public order during international events.
It should be noted that it is in Thailand that the famous Golden Cobra naval exercises are held under the auspices of the US Navy. The exercises are attended by units of the US Marine Corps, as well as the closest US allies in the Asia-Pacific region - Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The first exercises took place back in 1982 and since then have been held annually in Thailand.
Police special forces against terrorists and mafia
The Royal Thai Police also have their own special forces. Among them, first of all, it should be noted the group "Arintharat 26", specializing in the fight against terrorism and the release of hostages. Also, this detachment is regularly involved in the detention of especially dangerous and armed criminals and their escort. The special forces are armed with not only special small arms, but also anti-riot equipment, armored shields, night vision devices and even armored vehicles.
Another important special forces unit in the Royal Thai Police is Naresuan 261. This unit is named after the legendary King Naresuan the Great. The history of the unit began in 1983, when the Thai government decided to create a task force to fight political terrorism. The Thai police have received an order from the government to ensure the recruitment and training of special forces officers. At present, the task force "Naresuan 261" is facing the task of combating terrorism and crime. In addition, special forces fighters are involved in ensuring the personal safety of the king and queen, other members of the royal family, foreign representatives and foreign heads of state during their visits to Thailand.
Special forces officers undergo initial training in teams of five people, modeled on the German special forces GHA-9. In training, the main emphasis is on the study of special operations tactics, sniper training, operations on the water, driving various vehicles and physical training. Some of the cadets are sent to continue their studies in other states. The training course includes five stages. The first stage is called the "International Training on Combating Terrorism" for recruits and includes 20 weeks of training. The second stage is a six-week anti-terrorism training for active police officers. The third stage involves a 12-week course in the disposal of explosives and ammunition. The fourth course includes four weeks of training for those special forces who are enrolled in the unit as snipers. Finally, in the process of the fifth stage of training, over 12 weeks, those cadets who are assigned to headquarters units and communications are trained in electronics knowledge. Naresuan's partners in training special forces are similar structures from the USA, Australia and Germany.
Thailand Border Police
Speaking about the special forces of modern Thailand, one cannot fail to note another power structure - the Thai Border Police. Although, of course, the entire border police is not a special unit, but the units that make up it carry out tasks to combat terrorism, insurgents and to protect the state border. When communist insurgents intensified in Thailand in the post-war period, with the participation of the US CIA, the Border Police was created, formally part of the Royal Thai Police, but in reality with a high degree of internal autonomy. The Royal Family of Thailand became the main patron of the Border Police. The officers of the border police units were recruited not from the ordinary police, but from among the army officers. Over the decades of its existence, the Border Police have been involved in countless operations against communist rebels, separatists and Islamic fundamentalists in various parts of Thailand.
The main advantage of the Border Police is its highly mobile organization. It includes hundreds of platoons of thirty-two people each. The platoon is the main operational unit of the border police. In addition to the operational platoons, each regional border police headquarters has a platoon or several platoons equipped with heavy weapons and used to support operational platoons when needed.
The border police are faced with the task of not only protecting the state border of the country, but also conducting reconnaissance in border areas, as well as maintaining interaction with residents of remote areas and mountain tribes. It is the border police that carries out such purely peaceful activities in the mountainous tribal areas as the organization of medical centers, the distribution of medicines, the creation of schools, the construction of airstrips for air transport. Thus, the tasks of the border police include not only purely "power" activities, but also, in general, the implementation of the functions of administrative management and control in the border areas of the kingdom.
The air unit of the Thai Border Police is responsible for the preparation and conduct of amphibious operations, disaster prevention, search and rescue operations in the crash zone. Each soldier of the air unit undergoes a mandatory parachute training course. In addition to rescue functions, the group performs counter-terrorism missions, provides parachute training in other units of the Royal Thai Police. In addition, since the post-war years, the Thai border police have been the main organizer and "patron" of paramilitary armed groups in the country, which perform auxiliary tasks in the fight against crime, insurgency, terrorism, protecting the state border and conducting intelligence activities against the insurgents.
In 1954, the Volunteer Defense Corps was created as part of the border police, before which the command assigned the tasks of protecting law and order and eliminating the consequences of emergencies. The creation of the corps was a response to numerous complaints from residents of remote and mountainous areas about harassment by criminal gangs and partisan detachments of communists and separatists. The Volunteer Defense Corps took an active part in counterinsurgency operations, blocking the insurgents' access to water and food sources. In 1974, the Volunteer Defense Corps was expanded to merge with the Homeland Security Operations Command and reached 50,000 troops by 1980.
In 1971, the Border Police established another paramilitary organization, the Rural Scouts. Initially, it united villagers loyal to the monarchy who were ready to fight in the ranks of the militia against the communist partisans. Up to five million Thais have completed the five-day training course in rural scout units. The village scouts were disbanded in 1981, but resumed in 2004 amid rising separatist sentiments in the Muslim-populated Malay provinces of southern Thailand.
Finally, another organization created under the control of the Thai Border Police is Thahan Phran - the Thai Rangers. This structure has the character of a volunteer militia carrying out anti-insurgency tasks along the Cambodian and Burmese borders. The Rangers have a paramilitary structure in the form of division into 32 regiments and 196 companies. In 2004, ranger units were deployed in the provinces of southern Thailand to fight the Malay separatists fighting to create the independent state of Great Pattani.
The difficult political situation in Thailand indicates that special forces will always be in demand in this Indo-Chinese country. As soon as the communists were suppressed in the northern and northeastern provinces, Islamic radicals and Malay separatists in the South of Thailand became more active. In addition, one should not forget that Thailand partially includes the territory of the so-called "golden triangle". Detachments of drug dealers and the state have always operated here, despite numerous efforts, until they finally succeeded in overcoming the drug trade. Finally, the fight against piracy is a serious area of activity for Thai special forces, especially for the special forces of the Marine Corps and the Navy, since pirates are actively operating in the waters off the coast of many countries of Southeast Asia.
