The History of the Royal Thai Air Force began in January 1911 when the Ministry of Defense sent 3 selected Army officers to France for a two-year flying training programme with Nieuport Company at Mourmelon-le-Grand. All 3 officers obtained their flying certificates from the company and returned to Thailand (known as Siam until June 1939) in November 1913.
At that time Thailand bought 4 Nieuport monoplanes and 4 Breguet biplanes and the Army Aviation Section was established in 1913 under the supervision of the Army Engineering Inspector.
Pioneer Days.
Air power in Thailand can be dated from 1913, when the Army Aviation Unit was established in a rice field south of Bangkok (the present site of the Royal Bangkok Club). The unit was the brainchild of His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanart, the then Army Chief-of-Staff, who saw the need to build up air power as part of the country's defence programme. The first air arm started out
with only eight French-made aircraft-four Nieuport monoplanes and four Breguet biplanes--and three pilot-cum-mechanics who had just completed two years of flying training in France. The three aviation pioneers--Major Luang Saksalyavudh, Captain Luang Arvudhsikikom, and First Lieutenant Thip Ketudat (ranks and titles at the time) and Prince Chakrabongse have since been regarded as the forefathers of the Royal Thai Air Force.
From this modest begining, the Aviation Unit continued to grow and eventually had to look for a new home to cope with its fast expansion. A superb site locally known as Don Muang was finally chosen. Relocation was completed on March 17, 1914. Then on March 27 of the same year, the unit was elevated by an order of the Ministry of War (Defence) to become
the Army Air Corps. Since then March 27 has been recognised as the birthday of the Royal Thai Air Force. (1914-1997), but the RTAF proclaim on August 1, 1997 fixed April 9 has been recognised as The Royal Thai Air Force Day and March 27 as the Royal Thai Air Force Commemoration Day.
In 1918 the expanding Air Corps gained the status of a divition. Known as the Army Aviation Division, the unit wich consisted of three wings remained under the Army until
December 1921 when it was renamed the Air Division and was placed directly under the Ministry of War. The Division, which continued to grow by leaps and bounds, had its name changed again in 1935 to the Air Force Division. Two years later, it was proclaimed the Royal Thai Air Force, a separate service of the country's armed forces with five wings which was expanded to 11 wings by 1987.
Past Achievements.
From the beginning as just a small support until in the Army. the RTAF was faced with many problems, especially the maintenance of its aircraft. Equipment and spare pasts were not available locally and had to be obtained from abroad, a process which took its toll in time,
money and effort. However, with patience, determination, and selfless dedication, the forefathers of RTAF were able to make considerable progress in the development of the budding air force. Realising that self-reliance was the key to success, the RTAF tried with some notable success to make use of locally available materials in the production of spare
parts, the modification and even the constructure of airplanes of its own design.
In 1915, the first aircraft ever built in Thailand made its maiden flight. It was a Breguet biplane constructed from indigenous materials and powered by an imported engine. Twelve year later, in 1927, the first airplane wholely designed and built by the RTAF was rolled out.
It was called the Paribatra. Two Paribatra biplanes even went on a long distance flight to New Delhi and back. This was followed later by a flight to Hanoi.
The second airplane designed and built by the RTAF -- a fighter called Prajadhipok -- emerged in 1929. In 1930, Avro 504 N trainers were assembled locally. Throughout the following years
until 1939, several types of aircraft followed in the same pattern. Among them were Corsair attrackers, Curtis Hark 3 fighters and a modified version of Corsairs used as trainers.
After World War II, technical advancement in Western countries went so fast that it was practically impossible for the RTAF to catch up due to lack of fund and encouragement. Although its self-reliance programme was continued, the RTAF had to purchase most of its
new aircraft from the West or acquire them through foreign military aid programmes.
1957 heralded the jet age forthe RTAF with the acquisition of T-33s and RT-33s under the United States Military Assistance Programme (MAP). After that, progress knew no boundary
and the RTAF eventually evolved into a small compact fighting force, with competent men, hi-tech material, and a high degree of self-sufficiency.
In July 1917, Thailand declared war on the the Axis. An expeditionary force consisted of and Army Transport Corps and a contingent of the Army Air Corps was shipped to Europe to
fight alongside the Allies. A number of officers and men in the Thai expeditionary force were sent to French Army Flying Schools at Istres and Avord where more than 95 qualified as
military pilots. Subsequently, some were sent to Bomber School at Le Crotoy, Reconnaissance School at Chapelle-la-Reine, Gunnery School at Biscarosse, and to Fighter Conversion Courses at Piox. At the same time, a number of ground personnel were also
sent to various Maintenance Schools and establishment. In the final weeks of the First World War, Thai pilots made their first operational sorties over the Western Front.
French Indo-China War.
The men of the RTAF had the chance to prove their combat capability for thr first time in the
French Indo-China War. Hostilities broke out in January 1941 between Thailand and French following a dispute over areas along the border with French Indo-China. Apart from providing
crucial support in joint military operations with ground troops, the courageous men of the Air Force also performed superbly in several aerial battles,
were fought over enabling the country to achieve air superiority against fierce enemy opposition until a truce was arranged by Japanese mediators ended the armed conflict in
May 1941. This was the Thai airmen's finest hour amd proved to all the versatility, manoeuvrability,and high calibre of the RTAF.
Japanese Invasion during World War II.
Japanese forces occupying Indochina invaded Thailand in December 1941. Everywhere they
went, the invaders met stiff resistance from the Thais. At the eastern borders a few fighters
from Wing I of the RTAF fought heroically against larger formations of superior Japanese
warplanes, inflicting a number of casualties before they were shot down. In the south, over
the gulf of Thailand, Thai fighters from Wing V based in the province of Phachuab Khiri Khan
were engaged in a fierce battle with an overwhelming force of Japanese invaders. On the
ground, Japanese troops who tried to seize the airbase in Phachuab Khiri Khan were held at
bay for hours by some 120 airmen. More than 500 of the attackers were killed before a
ceasefire was arranged.
Korean War.
Following the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, a resolution was adopted by the United
Nations Security Council asking member nations to send forces to assist UN military
operations against armed aggressions by communist North Korean. The first contingent of
RTAF men -- a logistical support corps -- was despatched to South Korean in June 1951.
Since then a total of 24 RTAF teams had been sent there in rotation until 1976.
Vietnam War.
During the Vietnam War, the RTAF had effectively employed its transport capability to assist
and support the United States and allied forces in South Vietnam. In response to the Saigon
Government's request for military assistance, The Thai Government had assigned the RTAF
to help train South Vietnam oilots from 1964 to 1966.
A contingent of RTAF pilots, mechanics and a number of C-123s, c-47s and O-1s was also
sent to South Vietnam to provide combat airlift and to carry out Forward Air Control missions.
Many members of the RTAF contingent, which played an important role in this war, were
cited for decorations in recognition of their distinguished service. These included the US
Distinguished Flying Cross, the South Vietnamese Armed Forces Honour Medal, and the
Thai Victory Medal.
Counter-Insurgency Campaign
.
The RTAF also played a vital role in the suppression of communist insurgents and in the
defence of the country from attracks by hostile neighbours in recent years. Its ability to
effect mobilisation at short notice enabled the RTAF to provide crucial support for many
successful ground operations against the insurgents. In addition to air strikes, air palrols,
reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions, and search and rescue operations,
the RTAF also conducted psychological warfare by broadcasting messages and distributing
leaflets from the air to persuade the insurgents to surrender. These operation contributed
greatly to the success of the Government's counter-insurgency campaign.
The Progress.
Since the 1914 relocation to Don Muang, the various workshops had been progressively enlarged, and in May
1915, the first aircraft to be built in Thailand made its maiden flight. It was a Breguet biplane constructed from
indigenious materials and powered by an imported engine. This was foolowed in the same pattern in the
following years by the Thai-constructed Nieuports, Spads, Avro 504 Ns, Vought Corsair 100s, Hawk 3s, etc.
By far the most significant work produced by the workshops involved the large number of Boripatr bombers
and Prajatipok fighters; these were the first ever designed and built entirely by Thai personnel in 1927 and
1929 respectively.
During 1930-33, Heinkel Hd 43 fighters, Bristol Bulldog II As, Boeing 100 Es and Vought V.100 Corsairs were
bought from various countries for examination and trial. The choice fell on Corsair V.100 and a manufacturing
license was obtained for the workshops, which later moved to Bang Sue and become the Directorate of
Aeronautical Engineering since.
By this time the Air Force Division had been renamed the Royal Thai Air Force. Its flying activities were
organized as follows : Wing I (Fighter) and Flying Training School at Don Muang, Wing II (Observation) and
Wing IV (Fighter) at Koke Kathiem, Wing III (Bomber) and at Korat and Wing V (Fighter) at
Phachuab Khiri Khan.
Among aircraft obtrained, from time to time, from foreign countries for service till the end of Second World War
were : Corsair V-83, Curtis Hawk 2, Hawk 3, Hawk 75, Martin 139 W, Fairchild 24-J, Fairchild W-40, Mitsubishi
M-100 (known as Nagoya), Nakashima NA-17 (Ota), Hayabuza 2-TAI and Tachikawa 89.
Reorganization and Modernization.
After the World War II, a number of Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen fighters abandoned when the Japanese
surrendered added to the old Hawk 3s and Corsair V-100 which where were then still in first line service.
To meet the Reorganization and Modernization plans for the RTAF, a quantity of Miles Magister
primary trainers, North American Texan (T6) basic trainers and Douglas C-47 transports were acquired from
surplus stocks in 1948. The Thai Purchasing Commission also visited the U.K., Canada and U.S.A..
Acquisitions included a number of surplus Tiger Moths, Canadian-built Chipmunk trainers and reconditioned
Spitfire FR Mk 14s. The arrival of these aircraft permitted the withdrawal of Hawk 3s, Corsiar V-100s and
Japanese Planes from the service.
In 1950, the Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) arrived in Thailand. Its aviation
component was charged with the equipping, training and supporting the RTAF. In 1951, an initial shipment of
F8F Bearcats arrived Bangkok as part of the US Military Assistance Program (MAP). With Bearcats came
additional T-6s, and more were to arrive in several following years.
Other equipment acquired under the MAP included Stinson L-5 Sentinels, Piper L-18 Super Cubs, Cessna O-1
Bird Dogs, Cessna 170s and Beechcraft C-45s for liaison and light communication duties. Some Westland
Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly helicopters were purchased from England, Sikorsky S-55s and Hiller 360 Xs were
obtained from U.S.A..
In 1957, the first jet trainers, T-33 As arrived Bangkok and these were followed by the first jet combat aircraft,
F-84G Thunderjets, a year later. In 1961 the last piston-engined Bearcats had been phased out and in April of
that year F86F Sabres were delivered to the RTAF. Their arrival substantially boosted RTAF operational
potential. F86L allweather interceptors, RT-33s, T-37Bs and the piston-engined light attack T-28Ds arrived in
the following year. Airlift capability was also increased by a number of C-123B Providers, Hiller 4-14 BXs,
Sikorsky S-54s and Grumman S-43Bs.
The latest arrivals for operational capability were the Northrop F-5s, T-41s for training, and OV-10s for
observation and COIN operations. In particular, OV-10s were first batch of aircraft to have been bought from
USA since 1950.
March 27, 1998, marks the 83rd anniversary of RTAF.
March 27, 1998, marks the 83rd anniversary of the Royal Thai
Air Force. For decades, our forefathers had worked with selfless dedication to lay
a solid foundation for the development of the RTAF. So now the RTAF has its main base at
Don Muang airport adjacent to Bangkok's International Airport. The RTAF has large air fields
and facilities in every part of the Kingdom : in Bangkok, Lop Buri, Phachjapkhirikhan, and
Nakhon Sawan in central part; in Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani
in the northeast; in Phitsanulok and Chiang Mai in the north; and in Surat Thani and Songkhla
in the south.
The large air fields and facilities of the Royal Thai Air Force :
The RTAF structure comprises five basic organizations : the Coordinating Staff Group, the Combat Group,
the Logistic Support Group, the Education Group and the Special Group.
The Combat Group provides the operational element of the RTAF. It includes the Security Force and the
Tactical Air Command which possesses eleven Wings of varied strengths and equipment.
The Educational Group is responsible for all trainings within the RTAF up to and including advamced level,
technical training and professional education. Prior to starting their flying training at Flying Training School
at Kamphang Saen, student pilots spend four to five years in college or university or the Air Academy. All
cadets joining the academy are graduates of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Military Preparatory School.
Graduaes of the academy receive a diploma equivalent to a B.Sc., a permannent commission and the rank
of Pilot Officer.
With a personnel strength of over 20,000 officers and men, including those of the Security Force, the RTAF is
still a relatively small arm by international standard. However, its operational capability is sufficient to carry
out its mission and have an important role in safeguarding the freedom of its own country.
RTAF MEMORIAL.
THOUGH LIFE MUST END ONE DAY,
YET YOUR NOBLE DEEDS WILL CONQUER DEATH,
AND OUTLIVE YOUR MORTAL BREATH,
THE SAGA OF YOUR COURAGE AND HONOUR,
WILL KEEP INSPIRING THE COMING GENERATION,
TO EMULATE THE GLORY OF THE VALIANT AIRMEN OF OUR NATION.
The primary mission of the Royal Thai Air Force is "to prepare
and employ air power in defence of the Kingdom of Thailand". This means the RTAF must keep
its men and machines in a state of combat readiness day and night so as to be able to protect
the country's sovereign skies. It must also be able to provide air support for military operations,
both on land and at sea. Furthermore, it must be able to operate outside Thai teritory, if and
went such a need arises.
To fulfill this responsibility, the RTAF has four specific tasks to carry out :
Air defence and tactical air operations,
Joint operations in concert with ground and naval forces,
Operations in conjunction with allied forces, and
Peacetime operations in support of other Thai Government agencies.
In this age of air power, the RTAF is reaponsible for both the area air defence and point
air defence. To fulfill this responsibility, its fighter - interceptors operate in concert with untils
in charge of early warning and control systems deployed throughout the country. Protection
of airbases and other important installations of the RTAF is provideed by the RTAF Security
Force which is equipped with a wide range of anti-aircraft artillery and missiles.
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