It immediately attracted attention in the security and national defense circles when the Royal Gazette website, volume 143, special issue 139 Ng, page 4, dated 5 June 2026 GMT+7, published a Prime Minister's announcement titled "Royal Grant to Change the Name of a Military Camp," with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul receiving the royal command.
The announcement stated that His Majesty graciously ordered the change of the military camp's name from the original “Nawamintharachini Camp,” located in Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province, to the new name “Maha Vajiralongkorn Rajavallop Camp.” This change is retroactive from 19 February 2026 GMT+7 onward.
This military camp is not an ordinary base but the site of the legendary combat unit, the 21st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard (R.21 Ror.), famously known by the nickname “Queen's Tigers.”
The unit was established in 1950 to participate in the Korean War before relocating to Chonburi Province.
The origin of the nickname dates to 1959 when Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, served as the special commander of this regiment, leading the troops to proudly receive the nickname “Queen's Tigers.” Later, in 1976, the camp was granted the name “Nawamintharachini Camp.”
A training ground for military and political leaders: This camp is also regarded as the “hometown” of several renowned military officers in Thai political history, especially the famous “Three Ps” group: General Prawit Wongsuwan, General Anupong Paochinda, and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, all of whom grew up and served as commanders of this regiment.
The royal granting of the new camp name “Maha Vajiralongkorn Rajavallop Camp” marks a significant historical milestone for this Eastern combat unit, aligning it with the current reign and its mission as the King's Guard under His Majesty King Rama X.
The term “Rajavallop” means “beloved and trusted by the king,” reflecting the highest honorable duty of the camp's personnel to provide protection and loyalty to the monarchy continuously.
From now on, the name “Nawamintharachini Camp” will remain a cherished memory as the camp steps into a new era under its auspicious royal name, “Maha Vajiralongkorn Rajavallop Camp.”