The 6th Air Wing was bustling all day as crowds flocked to the Air Force National Children's Day event. The Air Force Commander revealed that over 100,000 people registered to watch the 2026 Air Show.
On 10 Jan 2025 GMT+7 at the 601st Squadron, 6th Air Wing, Air Chief Marshal Sek San Kantha, Air Force Commander, said after officiating the Children's Day event that he was very proud and pleased to see many youths and citizens participating. He hopes that in the next 10 years, young people will feel patriotic, cherish and honor the nation’s institutions, and protect the country’s core values. This year's atmosphere was notably different from previous years, with nearly 100,000 registered for the air show activities, not counting walk-in attendees.
He added that national development requires not only a strong economy, society, and politics but also robust security and military strength. A country cannot stand proudly in the world without a strong military. He and Air Force officials affirm to the public that if youths are the nation's future, regardless of their profession, they should remember that the future is a secure and strong country.
Air Chief Marshal Sek San shared his childhood inspiration to become an airman, noting that his father and grandfather were air force soldiers who served in the Korean War behind the scenes, supporting other nations under UN resolutions. Witnessing their hardship during missions without recognition inspired him to join the Air Force. Although he once considered other careers, like law, his goal was always to become an airman.
He also said that with advancing technology—not only in air power but also in cyber, space, and drone warfare—the Air Force needs highly skilled personnel unlike in the past. This year, the Air Force is opening recruitment to women aged 22 and under to become fighter pilots capable of operating advanced technology. Currently, there are seven female transport pilots, with four more to be recruited this year.
The Air Force event featured an Air Show presenting various aircraft that tell the story of missions protecting Thai airspace, including:
- A smoke trail display in the colors of the Thai flag by the AU-23 (Peacemaker) aircraft.
- A flypast during the opening ceremony by F-16 jets.
- Aircraft performance demonstrations by F-16 jets.
- Aircraft performance demonstrations by Gripen jets.
- Aerial displays using AT-6 aircraft.
- Static displays of 22 types of aircraft, including F-16 A/B, Gripen, AT-6, F-5 E/F, T-50, AU-23, C-130, ATR-72, A-340, CT-4B, DA-40, DA-42, SAAB 340, BT-67, T-6C, Air Force 6, T-33, T-28, P-64, O-1A, and helicopters H-225M and S-70i, along with weapons systems.
In addition, the Air Force held the 2026 National Children's Day central event at Don Mueang, at the Air Force and National Aviation Museum and the Air Force small airport (Thung Si Kan).
