Naresuan 261 Counter-Terrorism Unit

 Naraesuan 261 (นเรศวร 261) is Special Operations Unit of The Royal Thai Police.

History
Special Operations Unit "Naraesuan 261" was set up in 1983, Buddhist year 2526, by a Thai Cabinet Resolution. The Resolution, dated February 1, 2526 (1983), was a major policy decision designed to provide a force for counter-terrorism efforts.It was named in honor of King Naresuan the Great.

The Royal Thai Police were given orders to set up training for a special division to accomplish these goals. The unit was founded in 1984, Buddhist year 2527, and placed under the control and responsibility of the Thai Border Patrol Police's Aerial Reinforcement Unit or PARU.

In late 1986, a Royal Decree, proclamation number 14, reorganized the Royal Thai Police and Naraesuan 261 was assigned as 4th company under the Border Patrol Police's Aerial Reinforcement Unit (PARU).

Special Operations Unit "Naresuan 261" has the responsibility of counter-terrorism and resulting criminal cases. The company also plays an important role as executive protection for His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family when they travel around Thailand. Furthermore, the company acts as escorts for other foreign dignitaries and heads of state visiting Thailand.

Organization Management
4th Company, Border Patrol Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit, consists of a Company division with a raid platoon, ambush and patrol platoon, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) platoon, training platoon, and supporting platoon.

Training
Initial training was performed by members of the Royal Thai Police Department. Teams are divided up into units of 5 people following the model set up by Germany's GSG-9. Teams are trained in military tactics, sniping, waterborne operations, martial arts, and operation of a variety of vehicles.

After initial training, groups pass on their experiences to other members of the Special Operations Company. The Company will also assign members to train in foreign countries and bring the knowledge back to Thailand to further help train the Company. Standard training is broken up into five parts:

1. International counter-terrorism training consisting of 24 weeks of training for new Police privates.

2. International counter-terrorism training consisting of 6 weeks of training for Police who are now in active service as well as one week of anti-terrorism planning.

3. Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training consisting of 12 weeks of training.

4. Sniper/counter-sniper training consisting of 4 weeks of training for those assigned to sniper positions.

5. Electronics proficiency training consisting of 12 weeks of training for those assigned to the duty of Electronics Proficiency Officer.

The Company also takes part in cross-training with Special Operations divisions of the Royal Thai Military as well as training with their counterparts in various units in Australia, South Africa, Germany and the United States.

Operations
Special Company 'Naresuan 261' has cooperant escort duty for His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and other members of the Royal Family when they travel around Thailand. They also train female members as an executive escort for Her Royal Highness Princess Siridhorn when she visits Border Patrol Police schools around Thailand.

The company has been involved in a number of high profile criminal cases including:

1. Burmese student takeover of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok on October 1–2, 1999 (2542).

2. Takeover of the Ratchaburi Hospital in Ratchaburi Province on January 24–25, 2000 (2543).

3. Release of hostages from the Karen-Burmese rebellion at Samut Sakhon Province Prison on November 22–23, 2000 (2543).

These three major successful operations were all under the control of Special Company 'Naresuan 261'. In all these situations, the mission was accomplished and the hostages were saved.

At present the Special Operation 'Naresuan 261' company is now developing additional tactics and has the support of the Royal Thai Police to provide them with the weapons they need to perform their work with efficiency.