The 116th anniversary of the 1st Army Region reaffirmed its ironclad mission to protect the border and ensure security, accompanied by merit-making ceremonies honoring fallen heroes. "Big Tu" revealed he continuously encourages border troops and has already visited "Big Pom." Tags: [Military Anniversary, Border Security, Merit-making, Thai Army, Leadership Visits]
On 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Gen. Pana Klaewplodtook, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, presided over the 116th anniversary ceremony of the 1st Army Region's establishment. Gen. Worayut Luengsuwan, Commander of the 1st Army Region, welcomed attendees. The event included Buddhist rites and merit-making dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives defending the sovereignty of the Thai-Cambodian border.Tags: [Military Ceremony, Thai Army, Border Defense, Buddhist Rites, Merit-making]
Several former commanders of the 1st Army Region attended the event enthusiastically, including Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Privy Councillor; Gen. Dowpong Rattanasuwan, Privy Councillor; Gen. Bandit Malayarisit; Gen. Anupong Paochinda; Gen. Udomdej Sitabutr; Gen. Thepphong Thipayachan; Gen. Suksan Nongbualang; Gen. Pornchai Dechatawong Na Ayudhya; Gen. Paisan Katanyu; Gen. Kukiet Srinaka; and Gen. Amarit Boonsuya. Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan has not attended the event for several years.Tags: [Former Commanders, Thai Army, Military Leadership, Attendance, Privy Councillors]
The 1st Army Region was established on 13 Jan 1910 GMT+7 during the reign of King Vajiravudh. Its key missions are national defense and border protection. The Eastern Force (Burapha) is responsible for the eastern border, while the Surasi Force covers the western border. It also maintains peace and order in 26 central provinces plus Bangkok, and upholds internal security as the Internal Security Operations Command Region 1.Tags: [Military History, Border Defense, Regional Security, Thai Army, Internal Security]
Beyond securing the borders, the 1st Army Region also maintains internal peace, assists citizens affected by disasters, supports government-assigned duties, and importantly, honors and protects His Majesty the King and the royal family. It also responds to projects initiated under royal patronage.Tags: [Disaster Relief, Internal Security, Royal Protection, Government Support, Thai Army]
Before departing, Gen. Prayut encouraged troops stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border and in the three southern border provinces, simply stating, “I have always given encouragement.” He also acknowledged having visited Gen. Prawit, responding quietly with “Uh-huh.”Tags: [Military Morale, Border Troops, Southern Thailand, Leadership Visits, Gen. Prayut]}