Ministry of Defence (Thailand)

The Ministry of Defence (กระทรวงกลาโหม; ; Abrv: MOD), is a Cabinet level government department of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ministry controls and manage the Royal Thai Armed Forces, as well as maintaining national security, territorial integrity and national defence. The Armed Forces of Thailand is made up of three main branches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Air Force.

Although the King of Thailand is the Supreme Head of the Thai Armed Forces (จอมทัพไทย) his position is only nominal. The Ministry and the Forces are instead administered by an appointed politician: the Minister of Defence, a member of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post of Minister of Defence has been hold by Air Chief Marshal Sukampol Suwannathat, who succeeded General Yuthasak Sasiprapha on 18 January 2012.

History

 * Samuha Kalahom redirects here

Initially the Ministry was called "Samuha Kalahom" (สมุหกลาโหม) or Kalahom Department, and was charged with the protection the Southern border. It was founded in the late Ayutthaya period and was retained in the Rattanakosin period. The Ministry in its current form was formed in 1887, under the orders of King Chulalongkorn the Great, to create a permanent military command. This was a result of the increasing threat Western powers were having on the country. The actual Ministry was housed in an old horse and elephant stable, opposite the Grand Palace. A new European style building was however build to house it. At first the Ministry only commanded the Army (founded in 1847), it then incorporated the Navy (founded in 1887) and finally the Air Force (founded in 1913).

The Secretariat
The Ministry, like any other government department, is headed by the secretariat who helps the Minister and Deputy Ministers exercise their authority and administer the department.


 * Permanent Secretary: General Nipat Thonglek
 * Deputy Permanent Secretary: General ML Prasopchai Kasemsant
 * Deputy Permanent Secretary: Admiral Dumrongsak Haocharoen
 * Deputy Permanent Secretary: Air Chief Marshal Winai Plengwittaya

Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
Formerly the Supreme Command HQ (until February 2008), the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters is situated in Bangkok and is a joint committee of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in charge of Military planning and execution.

Chief Commanders

 * Chief of Defence Forces: General Thanasak Patimaprakorn
 * Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: Air Chief Marshal Boonyarit Kerdsuk
 * Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: Admiral Yutthana Fakpholngam
 * Deputy Chief of Defence Forces: General Sakon Sajjanit
 * Chief of Joint Staff: General Padetgarn Jansaewoke

Royal Thai Army
The Royal Thai Army is the land forces of the Thai armed forces. The Army is generally divided into four Army Groups, however it is entirely commanded from Bangkok.


 * Commander-in-Chief: General Prayuth Chan-ocha
 * Deputy Commander-in-Chief: General Dapong Ratanasuwan
 * Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Sirichai Distakul
 * Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Jiradej Mokkhasmit
 * Chief of Staff of the Army: General Udomdej Sitabutr

Royal Thai Navy
The Royal Thai Navy is the sea forces of the kingdom. It comprises several surface light and heavy vessels including one aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Nareubet. The Navy also oversees the Royal Thai Marine Corps.


 * Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom
 * Deputy Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Narong Pipatanasai
 * Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Polawat Sirodom
 * Chief of Staff of the Navy: Admiral Jakchai Poocharoenyo

Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force is the air wing of the Thai armed forces. It is one of the oldest Air forces in the world, founded in 1913. It currently provides air defence and air transport for the other branches.


 * Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong
 * Deputy Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Permkiat Lavanamal
 * Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Songtam Chokkanapitag
 * Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Chanat Ratana-Ubol
 * Chief of Staff of the Air Force: Air Chief Marshal Araya Ngampramuan

Other Agencies

 * Royal Aide de Camp Department
 * The War Veterans Department
 * Battery Organization
 * The Leather Tanning Organization

Associated Organizations

 * Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School
 * National Defence College of Thailand
 * Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
 * Royal Thai Naval Academy