royal thai air force
- Thailand News
Sky’s the limit: RTAF aims to reach new heights with space plans
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is looking to take Thailand’s defences to new heights. Plans are underway for a bold rebranding as the Royal Thai Air Force and Space alongside the creation of a new unit aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s air and space interests. This strategic move, announced by RTAF spokesperson Air Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee yesterday, November 19, highlights Thailand’s…
- Thailand News
No putt-ing around: RTAF golf course revamp on hold for deeper study
The proposal to transform the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s Dhupatemiya golf course in Pathum Thani into a public park requires an in-depth study, as the location plays a critical role in the military’s strategic operations, stated Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham was addressing questions from the People’s Party (PP) MP for Pathum Thani, Chetawan Thuaprakhon, regarding the potential transfer…
- Thailand News
RTAF pledges no protection for officers involved in bribery scandal
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has declared it will not shield any logistics officers implicated in bribery tied to the procurement of asphalt concrete pavers during 2019 to 2020. RTAF spokesperson Prapas Sornchaidee announced that a probe into the procurements commenced following an order by RTAF chief Panpakdee Pattanakul. This statement follows the release of a document by the…
- Thailand News
Thai Air Force investigates unpaid duty allowances for soldiers
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)addressed the issue of unpaid duty allowances following complaints from soldiers. The RTAF spokesperson, Boonlert Andara, announced that the commander-in-chief ordered an investigation into the matter, highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations. Yesterday, September 19, Boonlert responded to reports from a social media page, Survive, which claimed that RTAF personnel from Wing…
- Thailand News
RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods
Floods in two northeastern provinces, Udon Thani and Nong Khai, prompted the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy an EC-725 helicopter to survey the situation and assist affected residents. The water level in the Mekong River has been steadily rising, necessitating close monitoring in provinces along its banks. RTAF Commander, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdi Phatthanakun, yesterday, September 16, ordered…
- Thailand News
Massage parlour scandal sparks Thai Highways Department probe
The Thai Highways Department is scrambling to investigate claims that Wirtgen Thailand Ltd, a subsidiary of John Deere’s parent company, made improper payments to its officials and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The shocking allegations suggest that massage parlours, cash, and luxury trips were used to sweeten government deals. Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai announced yesterday, September 11, that he has…
- Thailand News
Thai air force opts for Swedish Gripen jets over US F-16s
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced its decision to acquire Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, opting for these over US-made F-16s. A committee within the RTAF reached this conclusion after examining additional details submitted by both contenders. The review, which occurred yesterday, August 27, focused heavily on offsets such as technology transfer and training, key factors in the Thai…
- Thailand News
Thai Air Force to announce new fighter jet choice this week
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to reveal its choice for a new fighter jet model by the end of the week, as announced by ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul. The decision aims to modernise the ageing fleet. Currently, the RTAF is considering the Swedish-made Gripen E-model and the US-made F-16 Block 70 jets. Saab AB, the manufacturer of the…
- Thailand News
Thailand undecided between Swedish Gripen and US F-16 jets
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the government remains undecided on whether to select the Swedish-made Gripen or the US-made F-16 for the Royal Thai Air Force‘s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project. Details of the required offset policy from Saab AB and Lockheed Martin, manufacturers of the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72 respectively, are still pending, according to…
- Thailand News
US government tempts RTA with fleet of F-16 fighter jets
The US government has made a tantalising offer to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTA) – a loan to purchase an entire fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang revealed this intriguing development, shedding light on the high-stakes negotiations. In a meeting at the Defence Ministry, US Ambassador Robert Frank Godec presented the enticing proposition. Godec conveyed that…
- Thailand News
Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. The pitch was made by the CEO of KAI, Kang…
- Thailand News
Saab swoops to supply Gripen jets to RTAF in 19-billion-baht deal
Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace company, yesterday announced its intention to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The company’s proposal aligns with the Thai government’s offset policy and other requirements for national capability development set by the RTAF. The offset policy mandates that suppliers of new military equipment to Thailand provide equal economic evaluations in…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes golf course for airport expansion
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday made a startling decision to relinquish its longstanding ownership of the Kantarat Golf Course, situated near Don Mueang Airport, to make way for the expansion of the airport, confirmed a spokesman from the Defence Ministry. Jirayu Houngsub, the political affairs spokesperson at the Defence Ministry, disclosed that the intricate details of the handover…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force plans 19 billion baht for new fighter jets acquisition
The commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Punpakdee Pattanakul, announced a budget request for the upcoming fiscal year totalling 19 billion baht (US$537 million), intended for the acquisition of new fighter jets. These could potentially be the US F-35 or Sweden’s Gripen E/F. Despite the recently instated government offset policy, Punpakdee’s comments suggest the RTAF’s determination to secure…
- Thailand News
Sky’s the limit: Royal Thai Air Force gears up with plans for 12 sleek new fighter jets
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced plans for significant advancement, including the procurement of 12 new fighter jets. The development plan will be presented in detail at the RTAF Symposium 2024 next month. Phanpakdee Pattanakul, the Commander-in-chief, laid out RTAF plans, which involve not only the acquisition of new weapons and equipment but also the improvement of existing maintenance…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s purse power play: Srettha urges military to trade arms for aid in 2024
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urged the military to postpone their plans to procure weapons for 2024 in a bid to divert funds towards aiding the nation’s needy, according to insiders. Defence Minister Sutin Klunsang and Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General, have been tasked with negotiating the delay with the military leaders. The prime minister wishes to utilise the budget…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation…
- Thailand News
US declines Thai F-35 bid, offers F-16 and F-15 jets instead
The United States Department of Defense has informally declined Thailand’s request to buy F-35 fighter jets, according to a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) source. Instead, the US has offered F-16 Block 70 and F-15 E Strike Eagle fighter jets as alternatives. The Pentagon’s decision was announced by Robert F Gordec, the US ambassador to Thailand, during a meeting with…
- Thailand News
Second group of Thais returns from Sudan on RTAF flight
A second group of Thai nationals who were stuck in Sudan have safely made it home. The group of 132 Thai nationals landed on Thai soil after returning from Sudan via a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Airbus A340-500. The aircraft touched down at Don Mueang’s military airport around 11pm on Saturday, Bangkok Post reported. Three non-Thai individuals also arrived…
- Thailand News
Thai Nationals evacuated from Sudan crisis arrive in Saudi Arabia, await repatriation
The first group of 82 Thai nationals, who have fled the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia yesterday morning. They are awaiting repatriation to Thailand by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) today, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The RTAF dispatched three aircraft – two C-130s and an Airbus…
- Transport News
Thailand to spend US$250 million on private VIP jets
The Cabinet approved an 8.8-billion-baht (US$270 million) budget to procure private VIP jets for members of the Thai royal family, ministers and honoured guests. Proposed by the prime minister’s secretariat and approved on Tuesday, the plan includes the procurement of new aircraft and components and the training of personnel. It’s just the latest of many curious budget decisions we can…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s new fighter jets still on horizon
It will be the middle of this year before Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) knows whether or not Washington has approved the sale of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. RTAF Commander-in-Chief, ACM Alongkorn Wannarot said the air force was still negotiating preparations for the purchase of the jets, but the sale has yet to be approved by Washington. The…
- Transport News
F35 fighter jets head RTAF wish list
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is keen to buy two shiny black F35 fighter jets from the United States. Despite outcry from opposition parties, F35 fighter jets head RTAF’s wish list. The decision now rests with the US Congress which is yet to confirm whether Thailand is a good enough friend to receive such sought-after toys. The plane’s technology…
- Transport News
Royal Thai Air Force airbus sets flight record
A Royal Thai Air Force Airbus A340-500 completed what appears to be the longest flight ever operated by the aircraft. The record-breaking flight took place with much less fanfare than Singapore Airlines’ commercial record in 2018. The flight from Bangkok to Charlotte, North Carolina, took 18 hours and 14 minutes and covered 14,555 kilometres. The flight landed on Wednesday, November…
- World News
Thailand takes delivery of Textron T-6C turboprop trainers
Thailand has taken delivery of its first Textron Aviation T-6C Texan II turboprop trainers, for use in training or as attack aircraft. Two T-6Cs have been delivered to Royal Thai Air Force Kamphaeng Saen northeast of Bangkok. A welcoming ceremony was attended by US Ambassador Robert Godec. Thailand desperately needs more military aircraft if the war against Myanmar’s drug billionaires…
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Activists plan protests all across Thailand
Thai authorities have ramped up security in the capital ahead of expected protests when the Constitutional Court releases its decision on the future of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha later today. The court will rule on whether General Prayut’s constitutionally stipulated eight-year term is up. General Prayut came to power following a 2014 coup. Anti-government activists will hold rallies in…
- Thailand News
Airspace over Bangkok airport closed for airforce parade
Airspace over Don Mueng International Airport in Bangkok is closed for an hour tomorrow for a traditional and honorary air parade by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTF). The RTF received a lot of criticism from Thai netizens for the ceremony over Don Mueng Airport but insists it goes ahead to honour a retiring Air Force chief and welcome a…
- Economy News
Government under fire on military spending plans
The government yesterday was criticized over the Defence Ministry’s weapons procurement plans. Shots were fired by deputy Pheu Thai Party leader Yuttapong Charasathien who says a number of procurement projects lack transparency and spending is too high. Yuttapong criticized the navy’s request of almost 41 million baht for a number of weapons systems, but in particular its decision to buy…
- Crime News
Former air force officer murders ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in Bangkok
A former Royal Thai Air Force officer murdered his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend at a house in Ratchathewi district in Bangkok yesterday morning. The perpetrator broke into the couple’s home and shot dead 24 year old Fah and 25 year old Korakot before fleeing the house. Fah was shot twice in the head and body and Korakot was shot…
- Thailand News
Remains of missing American WWII pilot found in Lampang, northern Thailand
US and Thai officials discovered the remains of an American soldier who went missing 78 years ago in Lampang province, northern Thailand, on Wednesday. The pilot’s P-38 Lightning single-seater fighter plane went down during World War II. On Wednesday, US and Thai authorities held a repatriation ceremony for the soldier in Rayong before sending his remains to Hawaii for further…
