Royal Thai Army
- Thailand News
Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs
The Thai Defence Council has approved a significant white paper, marking a strategic shift to downsize the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and cut back on weapon expenses. This decision, made during the council’s final meeting of the year, aligns with the strategic plan for 2026 to 2037, which Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presented to set the…
- Thailand News
RTA denies tensions with UWSA in Mae Hong Son
Tensions between Thai military forces and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district have been dismissed by the Royal Thai Army (RTA), contradicting recent media claims. Colonel Thirat Sombatsiri, the RTA spokesperson, firmly denied reports circulating on social media, asserting that the border remains tranquil without any confirmed incidents of violence. “The overall border situation…
- Thailand News
Paws and effect: RTA to unleash 64 ‘unfit’ service dogs in auction
The Royal Thai Army’s Veterinary & Remount Department is rolling out the red carpet for an unusual auction tomorrow in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district. Some 64 furry recruits are up for grabs, having failed to cut elite service dogs. On the auction block are two prestigious breeds: German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Prospective parents can choose…
- Thailand News
Thai defence minister appoints ex-RTA expert as secretary
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai appointed General Trisak Indararusmi, a former expert with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and a former classmate of ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as his secretary. This appointment precedes Phumtham’s official commencement at the ministry, set for Monday. Gen. Trisak, an alumnus of Class 10 from the armed forces preparatory school, is expected to bring significant experience…
- Thailand News
Drill sergeants get rained on: 45 days in jail and pensions revoked
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) sentenced two soldier drill sergeants to 45 days of imprisonment and revoked their pensions for ordering ten conscripts to stand naked in the rain. Their commander was also punished with 15 days of confinement. A younger sister of one of the conscripts urged non-profit organisation, Saimai Survive, to seek justice for her brother and the…
- Thailand News
Viral image of naked Thai conscripts in rain sparks investigation
The Minister of Defence ordered an investigation into the punishment of conscripts at a Royal Thai Army (RTA) base in the northern province of Chiang Mai, following a viral image on Thai social media showing ten naked conscripts standing in the rain. A Thai woman sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after her older brother and other conscripts…
- Thailand News
RTA continues investigation into general in police station altercation
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is investigating an incident involving a high-ranking officer allegedly behaving aggressively towards a woman and officials at a police station. The incident came to light yesterday when a video clip surfaced on social media showing the confrontation at the Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. Colonel Ritcha Suksuwan, RTA deputy spokesperson, confirmed that the individual in…
- Thailand News
Thailand in talks with China to swap submarine for naval vessels
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang is near finalising discussions with China to acquire alternative naval vessels instead of a submarine, aiming to conclude the talks by the end of this month. The negotiations began following Klungsang’s recent trip to China, where he introduced the proposal. China has shown openness to Thailand’s request to purchase two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) or a…
- Thailand News
YouTube sensation’s military adventure sparks controversy
A Thai YouTube star finds herself at the centre of a military storm as her latest video sparks a frenzy of controversy. Accusations fly as critics question the Royal Thai Army (RTA)’s involvement in what some dub a cunning information operation (IO). The RTA denied claims that a popular YouTube channel, Pigkaploy, was manipulated in a so-called information operation. Ploypailin…
- Thailand News
Former RTA sergeant found dead in Nakhon Phanom home
A 52 year old former Royal Thai Army (RTA) Sergeant was found deceased at his home in Nakhon Phanom’s Kuruku district today. The discovery of RTA Sergeant Apichai was made by his elder brother, Som, who had not heard from him since New Year’s Eve. Apichai’s house is located in front of the Phra Yot Muang Khwang Camp in Kuruku.…
- Northern Thailand News
Thirteen drug traffickers killed in Myanmar border operation
In a dramatic turn of events, a drug suppression operation near the Myanmar border in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai, resulted in the death of thirteen drug traffickers on Saturday night. Pha Muang Task Force commander, Praphat Phobsuwan made the statement yesterday. The operation, executed by the Pha Muang Task Force’s Thap Chao Tak unit, took place at Pang…
- Thailand News
MFP’s Rangsiman Rome in talks with Royal Thai Army
Rangsiman Rome, Chairman of the State Security Commission Thai border affairs National Strategy and National Reform and a member of the House of Representatives, was in talks with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) in an attempt to build closer relations and gain better mutual understanding. A joint press conference with General Songwit Nunpakdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces was held…
- Thailand News
TikTok ticking bomb: Soldier’s daring disposal and life philosophy go viral
A disarming every-second-counts video of a soldier removing a bomb at the Phra Viharn border became a TikTok sensation after he said, “No expectation of how long I can live but want to make the most of my life.” The high-risk bomb disposal video footage was posted on TikTok by Warongkorn Sringam, an experienced Military K9 official with the Bomb…
- Thailand News
Royal guard dismissed for misconduct without pension
A recent royal command has resulted in the dismissal of a Royal Security Command officer from military service and the royal guard, without a pension, due to severe misconduct. The order, which became effective on May 5, was announced in the Royal Gazette yesterday. The officer in question is Colonel Chaimethi Phubodiwarochuphan, who served in the office of the deputy…
- Environment News
Thai university makes bulletproof vests from recycled plastic
Scientists at Naresuan University in northern Thailand made bulletproof vests out of recycled plastic waste which they donated to the soldiers of Royal Thai Army Area 3 in Phitsanulok province on Monday. The vests are made from a mixture of car headlight parts, dialysis bags, rubber shoes, and plastic from the sea. The bulletproof vests were created under the project…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Army officer shoots dead junior soldier over alleged theft
A senior Royal Thai Army (RTA) officer shot dead a junior officer whom he suspected of stealing belongings from his residence in the central province of Lob Buri. The victim, 69 year old Sub Lieutenant Theerapong Ngernpan, was found dead near his house with gunshot wounds to his neck and left eye. An investigation by officers from the Mueng Lob…
- Thailand News
Over 25,000 Thai men from diverse backgrounds volunteer for RTA enlistment
A total of 25,100 Thai men, from diverse backgrounds such as monks and those holding Master’s degrees, applied for voluntary enlistment in the Royal Thai Army yesterday, according to deputy army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Sirichan Ngathong. The annual military conscription took a short break during the Songkran Festival and resumed yesterday. The draft is set to continue until Thursday in…
- World News
12,000 refugees from Myanmar depart Tak
Around 12,000 Myanmar refugees returned to their homeland in Myawaddy this week after seeking temporary refuge on Thai territory over the past week, according to the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Maj. Gen. Sirichan Ngathong, the RTA deputy spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the last 89 Myanmar refugees who were sheltering in tambon Mae Kasa of Mae Sot district departed on Wednesday.…
- Crime News
Sergeant major-turned-cyberpunk surrenders after allegedly hacking 55 million Thais’ data
UPDATE: The sergeant major turned cyberpunk accused of hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais surrendered to police this morning. The alleged hacker, Sgt. Maj. Khemarat Boonchuay, arrived at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) this morning with his wife for questioning. Police said the suspect remained silent and did not respond to any questions. Sgt. Maj. Khemarat was suspended…
- Crime News
RTA suspends AWOL sergeant major turned cyberpunk after hacking 55 million Thais’ personal data
The sergeant major turned cyberpunk who was accused of hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais has been suspended by the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Police on Friday reported that the suspect and his wife were detained and questioned about the alleged crime, but the couple has since disappeared. Maj. Gen. Sirichan Ngathong, the deputy spokesperson, stated that “SM2…
- Thailand News
RTA threatens to prosecute draft dodging Thai activist monk
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) announced it will prosecute an activist turned monk if he fails to give a valid reason why he dodged the mandatory conscription process. Phra Netiwit Jaranasampanno faces a court trial and possible compulsory drafting into the army without the benefit of drawing a ballot because of his draft dodging exercise. RTA deputy spokesperson Maj. Gen.…
- Northern Thailand News
Thai monk does goal celebration after escaping military conscription (video)
A Buddhist monk ran around the room like a celebrating footballer upon drawing a black card at a military conscription draftee selection event in Nakhon Ratchasima in northeast Thailand on Sunday, meaning that he won’t be required to serve in the military. Cheers erupted from the crowd when a black card was drawn for 24 year old Phra Phuwanai Gayputsa…
- Thailand News
Pregnant woman allegedly abused by soldier husband
A pregnant woman sought help from a Thai influencer claiming that her soldier husband repeatedly abused and beat her. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) ignored the woman’s claims. The Thai influencer, Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, aka Gun Jom Palang, today accompanied the 30 year old pregnant woman, A, to the RTA Headquarters to seek justice. The victim visited the army headquarters…
- Thailand News
Thai army punishes 5 soldiers and their commanders for gunfight in Bangkok
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) punished five non-commissioned officers and their commanders after residents living near the premises in Bangkok complained about a gunfight and loud party at night. Locals living near an army premise in the Chaeng Watthana district of Bangkok have recently released a video of soldiers engaging in violent behaviour. The caption said… “The gunfight on February…
- Thailand News
Explosion at Thai army bomb fuse factory
A huge explosion occurred at a Royal Thai Army (RTA) bomb fuse factory in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province causing a thick column of smoke in central Thailand at approximately noon today. The factory makes fuses for explosive devices and is part of the Incendiary Factory Division, a Royal Thai Ordnance Department facility where explosives are made for Thailand’s armed…
- Thailand News
Rare clouded leopard struts its stuff in Thailand’s new wildlife safe haven
In the mountains of Kanchanaburi in western Thailand, hidden cameras are capturing more and more clouded leopards, Indo-Chinese tigers, gaurs, and other wildlife. Recognising the importance of the conservation of Thailand’s wildlife, Thailand’s Treasury Department is preparing to declare an area of land covering 219,000 rai of land a non-hunting area. The huge conservation area – covering Si Sawat and…
- World News
Thai army shoots dead 6 foreign ketamine traffickers
Thai paramilitary rangers shot dead six drug traffickers smuggling 300 kilograms of ketamine into Thailand in the forests of Chiang Mai province near the border of Myanmar at 3am today. In the dead of night in the dense jungle, Thai paramilitary rangers crossed paths with “foreign drug traffickers” in Mon Pin subdistrict in Chiang Mai’s Fang district. The rangers reported that…
- Thailand video news
Man arrested for stealing Royal Thai Armed Forces bus | Thailand News Today
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— IMF predicts a recession in Thailand The head of the International Monetary Fund (or IMF) predicts Thailand and Southeast Asian countries will suffer from recession this year along with the rest of the world. Kristalina Georgieva believes a third of the global economy will be in recession this year, including Thailand, and Vietnam. The 69 year old Bulgarian economist reckons 2023 will be…
- Crime News
Builders uncover corrupt Thai Army practices
Construction workers say they fear for their lives after stumbling over corrupt Royal Thai Army practices while building army premises. The builders employed the help of a lawyer after they discovered shady dealings while working on army housing loan projects, reported Bangkok Post. They are frightened they will be linked to these corrupt practices. The builders lodged a complaint, via…
- Crime News
Escapee prisoner captured by police on a roof in northern Thailand
UPDATE Last night, police captured the escapee prisoner who broke out of Fort Surasakmontri army prison in Lampang province, northern Thailand, on Tuesday. Police found the soldier on the roof of his friend’s house in Mueang district, Lampang province, where he had been hiding. Officers from Khelang Nakhon Police Station closed in on the townhouse at 10pm after receiving knowledge…
