The
Monarch – Highest Armed Forces Commander
Under
the sublime leadership of generations of great monarchs, the army has been
integral to the survival and stability of Thailand ever since the Thai nation
came into existence.
From
ancient times, the kingdom’s great monarchs have distinguished themselves as
righteous rulers in time of peace and as formidable warriors in time of war.
Thais of all ages are infinitely indebted to their incomparable kings for the
national heritage, and for the freedom and independence they have enjoyed till
today.
The
kingdom’s monarchs have for centuries been exalted as the highest commanders of
the armed forces by virtue of their kingship and because of their life-long
commitment to defend the sovereignty of the kingdom. In 1940, the ministry of
defense decreed that the monarch become upon his accession to throne, the
highest commander of the armed forces.
In
addition to their military leadership, the king’s boundless mercy add righteousness
has for generations helped stabilize the nation and strengthen the unity of
Thais of all creeds and from all walks of life.
Historically,
the first integrated Thai kingdom took shape some 700 years ago. The Sukhothai
kingdom, which lasted from 1257 to 1438, was most glorious under King
Ramkhamhaeng the Great. During his reign(1279 – 1319), King Ramkhamhaeng
expanded the Thai borders in all directions. His military might and tactical
prowess was indisputable.
Thanks
to the country’s two great kings and warriors, Thailand regained its
independence under King Naresuan the Great (1590 – 1605) of the Ayudhaya
kingdom, once again under King Taksin the Great (1767 – 1782) of the Thon Buri period.
Counting on the kingdom’s military might as well as the indomitable fighting
spirit of Thai warriors, King Naresuan and King Taksin liberated the Thai
people from foreign lords and masters, who had hitherto dominated the Southeast
Asian region. A historic battle in recent time was the nine-army battle early
in the Rattanakosin era.
Crown
Prince Surasinghanart, acting on the order of King Rama I, led forces to repel
the invading enemies in the West. With a mere 70,000 – strong troops, the Thai
armed forces valiantly and tactically stood up against the 144,000 troops,
forcing the aggressors to retreat in humiliation. Thai was the last most
memorable battle prior to the advent of the Western colonization era that posed
a great threat to the kingdom’s sovereignty.
Read more... thai military patches
Read more... thai military patches
