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{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = King's Guard
| unit_name = King's Guard
| native_name = {{lang|th|ทหารรักษาพระองค์}}
| image = Royal guards from 1st Infantry Regiment in the Royal Funeral Procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG
| image = Royal guards from 1st Infantry Regiment in the Royal Funeral Procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG
| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
| caption = [[1st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|King's Guard]] during a royal ceremony in 2012
| caption =
| dates = 1859–present
| dates = 1859–present
| dissolution =
| dissolution =
| country = {{flagicon|Thailand|1855}} [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]]<br>(1859–1948)<br>{{flag|Thailand}}<br>(1948–present)
| country = {{ubl|{{flagicon|Thailand|1855}} [[Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932)|Siam]] (1859–1948)|{{flag|Thailand}} (1948–present)}}
| branch = {{army|THA}}<br>{{navy|THA}}<br>{{air force|THA}}
| branch = {{ubl|{{army|THA}}|{{navy|THA|navy}}|{{air force|THA}}}}
| type = Guard Corps (Army), Guard Brigade (Navy and Air Force)
| type = {{ubl|Guard Corps (Army)|Guard Brigade (Navy and Air Force)}}
| role = Ceremonial protection
| role = Executive protection
| size = 87 regimental units
| size = 87 regimental units
| nickname =
| nickname =
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| honneur =
| honneur =
| motto =
| motto =
| march = ''[[Royal Guards March]]'' <br>(มาร์ชราชวัลลภ, ''March Raja Vanlok'')
| march = ''[[Royal Guards March]]'' <br>(มาร์ชราชวัลลภ, ''March Raja Vanlop'')
| mascot =
| mascot =
| inscriptions =
| inscriptions =
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| battles =
| battles =
| decorations =
| decorations =
| equipement =
| equipment =
| commander =
| commander =
| commander_label =
| commander_label =
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}}
}}


The '''King's Guard''' ({{lang-th|ทหารรักษาพระองค์}}; {{RTGS|Thahan Raksa Phra Ong}}) is a ceremonial designation given by the [[Monarchy of Thailand]] to the various units within the [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]]. Practical and real security of the [[Chakri dynasty|Royal family]] has since 1992 been provided by the [[Royal Security Command]], which is an agency that is completely independent of the armed forces.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Royal Decoration Awarded to King's Chief Bodyguard|last=Charuvastra|first=Teeranai|date=13 October 2017|work=[[Khaosod]] English|quote=Gen. Suthida is the de facto head of security for His Majesty the King. Although she formally holds the title of deputy commander of the royal guard corps, the top rank had been left vacant since December 2016.}}</ref>
The '''King's Guard''' ({{langx|th|ทหารรักษาพระองค์}}; {{RTGS|Thahan Raksa Phra Ong}}) is a ceremonial designation given by the [[Monarchy of Thailand]] to the various units within the [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]]. Practical and real security of the [[Chakri dynasty|Royal family]] has since 1992 been provided by the [[Royal Security Command]], which is an agency that is completely independent of the armed forces.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Royal Decoration Awarded to King's Chief Bodyguard|last=Charuvastra|first=Teeranai|date=13 October 2017|work=[[Khaosod]] English|quote=Gen. Suthida is the de facto head of security for His Majesty the King. Although she formally holds the title of deputy commander of the royal guard corps, the top rank had been left vacant since December 2016.}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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When he succeeded his father in 1868, King Chulalongkorn took his Royal Guard and formed a 24-strong Royal Bodyguard, referred to as the "Thahan Song Lo" (Two-Dozen soldiers"). In 1870, the Royal Guard regiment were given the name the "King's Guard" and their duties included escorting the king while he travelled around the country.
When he succeeded his father in 1868, King Chulalongkorn took his Royal Guard and formed a 24-strong Royal Bodyguard, referred to as the "Thahan Song Lo" (Two-Dozen soldiers"). In 1870, the Royal Guard regiment were given the name the "King's Guard" and their duties included escorting the king while he travelled around the country.


About the year 1875 the necessity for [[Surveying|survey]]s in connection with improvements in the city of Bangkok, and for supervision in carrying out these improvements, led to the selection of certain officers of the royal bodyguard for training in this direction. These officers were formed into a special company called "Military Engineers of the Royal Bodyguard," in which Mr. [[James McCarthy (surveyor)|James McCarthy]] held the rank of captain. A royal decree issued September 3, 1885, separated the surveyors from the royal bodyguard and created the Royal Survey Department,<ref>{{cite book |title=Twentieth century impressions of Siam |last= Giblin |first= R.W. |editor= |editor1-last= Wright
About the year 1875 the necessity for [[Surveying|survey]]s in connection with improvements in the city of Bangkok, and for supervision in carrying out these improvements, led to the selection of certain officers of the royal bodyguard for training in this direction. These officers were formed into a special company called "Military Engineers of the Royal Bodyguard," in which Mr. [[James McCarthy (surveyor)|James McCarthy]] held the rank of captain. A royal decree issued September 3, 1885, separated the surveyors from the royal bodyguard and created the Royal Survey Department,<ref>{{cite book |title=Twentieth century impressions of Siam |last= Giblin |first= R.W. |editor1-last= Wright|editor1-first=Arnold|editor2-last= Breakspear|editor2-first= Oliver T |year=2006 |orig-year=1908|publisher=Lloyds Greater Britain Publishing Company|location=London&c |page= 121 |chapter= Royal Survey Work.|url=https://archive.org/download/twentiethcentury00wrigrich/twentiethcentury00wrigrich.pdf|format=65.3 MB|access-date=7 October 2011}}</ref> which is now the [[Royal Thai Survey Department]] ({{langx|th|กรมแผนที่ทหาร}}), a Special Services Group of the [[Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters]].
|editor1-first=Arnold
|editor2-last= Breakspear
|editor2-first= Oliver T |year=2006 |origyear=1908
|publisher=Lloyds Greater Britain Publishing Company
|location=London&c |isbn= |page= 121 |pages= |chapter= Royal Survey Work.
|url=https://archive.org/download/twentiethcentury00wrigrich/twentiethcentury00wrigrich.pdf
|format=65.3 MB|accessdate=7 October 2011}}</ref> which is now the [[Royal Thai Survey Department]] ({{lang-th|กรมแผนที่ทหาร}}), a Special Services Group of the [[Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters]].


The Royal Guards still exist down to the present and many more units from all branches of the armed forces were given this distinction.<ref>[http://www.nationreligionking.com/defense/royalguards/ Nationreligionking.com]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationreligionking.com/military/thahansua/ |title=Thailand |publisher=Nation, Religion, King |date= |accessdate=2016-06-24}}</ref> Today's King's Guard units serve as the Thai equivalent to the ceremonial guards units of various countries. However the role of the actual protection of the Royal family has been taken over by the [[Royal Security Command]], established in 1992, with Crown Prince [[Vajiralongkorn]] as its commander.
The Royal Guards still exist down to the present and many more units from all branches of the armed forces were given this distinction.<ref>[http://www.nationreligionking.com/defense/royalguards/ Nationreligionking.com]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationreligionking.com/military/thahansua/ |title=Thailand |publisher=Nation, Religion, King |access-date=2016-06-24}}</ref> Today's King's Guard units serve as the Thai equivalent to the ceremonial guards units of various countries. However the role of the actual protection of the Royal family has been taken over by the [[Royal Security Command]], established in 1992, with King [[Vajiralongkorn]] as its commander.


==King's Guard units==
==King's Guard units==
The Royal Guards are today composed of 87 formations (formerly 94 battalions or equivalents), mostly found in the Royal Thai Army.
The Royal Guards are today composed of 87 formations (formerly 94 battalions or equivalents), mostly found in the Royal Thai Army.
{{Tree list}}

=== [[Royal Security Command]] ===
=== [[Royal Security Command]] ===
The Royal Security Command is in charge of two Infantry regiments:<ref name=KE=20191001>{{cite news |last1=Charuvastra |first1=Teeranai |title='Emergency order' transfers army units to king's command|url=http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/10/01/emergency-order-transfers-army-units-to-kings-command/ |accessdate=5 November 2019 |work=Khaosod English |date=1 October 2019}}</ref>
The Royal Security Command is in charge of two Infantry regiments:<ref name=KE=20191001>{{cite news |last1=Charuvastra |first1=Teeranai |title='Emergency order' transfers army units to king's command|url=http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/10/01/emergency-order-transfers-army-units-to-kings-command/ |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=Khaosod English |date=1 October 2019}}</ref>


*'''[[File:Emblem of the 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard.svg|30px]] [[1st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|1st Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard]]''' ({{lang-th|มหาดเล็กราชวัลลภ}}; {{rtgs|''mahat lek ratcha wanlop''}}), 'The king's close bodyguards')
*'''[[File:Emblem of the 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard.svg|30px]] [[1st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|1st Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard]]''' ({{langx|th|มหาดเล็กราชวัลลภ}}; {{rtgs|''mahat lek ratcha wanlop''}}), 'The king's close bodyguards')
**1st Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
**1st Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
**2nd Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
**2nd Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
**3rd Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
**3rd Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
⚫
*'''[[File:Emblem of the 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard.svg|30px]] [[11th Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|11th Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard]]''', ({{langx|th|ทหารล้อมวัง}}; {{rtgs|''thahan lom wang''}}), 'The palace bodyguards')

⚫
*'''[[File:Emblem of the 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard.svg|30px]] [[11th Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|11th Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard]]''', ({{lang-th|ทหารล้อมวัง}}; {{rtgs|''thahan lom wang''}}), 'The palace bodyguards')
** 1st Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
** 1st Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
** 2nd Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
** 2nd Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
** 3rd Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
** 3rd Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
{{Tree list/end}}

===[[Royal Thai Army]]===
===[[Royal Thai Army]]===
{{Tree list}}
;Cadet unit
;Cadet unit
*[[Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy|'''Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard''']] (Cadet students of the Royal Military Academy)
*[[Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy|'''Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard''']] (Cadet students of the Royal Military Academy)
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***2nd Infantry Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
***2nd Infantry Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
***3rd Infantry Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
***3rd Infantry Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
**[[21st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|'''21st Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard''']] (a.k.a. "Thahan Suea Rachini" {{lang-th|ทหารเสือราชินี}}: {{lang|th-Latn|the queen's tiger soldiers}})
**[[21st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|'''21st Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard''']] (a.k.a. "Thahan Suea Rachini" {{langx|th|ทหารเสือราชินี}}: {{lang|th-Latn|the queen's tiger soldiers}})
***1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
***1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
***2nd Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
***2nd Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
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;Cavalry units
;Cavalry units
*2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard
* '''[[2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard (Thailand)|2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard]]'''
**1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*** '''27th Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard'''
***1st Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*** '''[[29th Cavalry Squadron (Thailand)|29th Cavalry Squadron, King Bhumibol's Guard]]'''
***3rd Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
** '''1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard'''
***17th Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*** 1st Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
**4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
*** 3rd Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
***5th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
*** 17th Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
***11th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
** '''4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard'''
***25th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*** 5th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
**5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*** 11th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*** 25th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
** '''5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard'''
***20th Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
***20th Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
***23rd Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
***23rd Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
***24th Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
***24th Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
*27th Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard
* '''[[4th Tank Battalion, King's Guard (Thailand)|4th Tank Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard]]'''
*[[29th Cavalry Squadron (Thailand)|29th Cavalry Squadron, King Bhumibol's Guard]]
* '''2nd Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard'''
*2nd Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard
* '''[[30th Cavalry Squadron, Queen's Guard (Thailand)|30th Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard]]'''
*[[30th Cavalry Squadron, Queen's Guard (Thailand)|30th Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard]]
*[[4th Tank Battalion, King's Guard (Thailand)|4th Tank Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard]]


;Artillery units
;Artillery units
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*[[Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command|3rd Special Forces Regiment, King's Guard]]
*[[Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command|3rd Special Forces Regiment, King's Guard]]
**[[Royal Thai Army Ranger, King's Guard (Thailand)|Ranger Battalion, King's Guard (Royal Thai Army Ranger)]]
**[[Royal Thai Army Ranger, King's Guard (Thailand)|Ranger Battalion, King's Guard (Royal Thai Army Ranger)]]
**[[90th Task Force (Thailand)|Special Operation Battalion, King's Guard (90th Task Force)]]
**[[Task Force 90 (Thailand)|Special Operation Battalion, King's Guard (Task Force 90)]]
{{Tree list/end}}

===[[Royal Thai Navy]]===
===[[Royal Thai Navy]]===
{{Tree list}}
'''Cadet unit'''
'''Cadet unit'''

*[[Royal Thai Naval Academy|Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard]] (Cadet students of the Royal Naval Academy)
*[[Royal Thai Naval Academy|Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard]] (Cadet students of the Royal Naval Academy)
**1st Cadet Battalion, Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Royal Thai Naval Academy
**1st Cadet Battalion, Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Royal Thai Naval Academy
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'''[[Royal Thai Marine Corps]]'''
'''[[Royal Thai Marine Corps]]'''

*1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard, 1st Infantry Regiment, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps
*1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard, 1st Infantry Regiment, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps
*9th Marine Battalion, King's Guard, 3rd Infantry Regiment, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps
*9th Marine Battalion, King's Guard, 3rd Infantry Regiment, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps
{{Tree list/end}}


===[[Royal Thai Air Force]]===
===[[Royal Thai Air Force]]===
{{Tree list}}
'''Cadet unit'''
'''Cadet unit'''

*[[Royal Thai Air Force Academy|Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy]] (Cadet students of the Royal Air Force Academy)
*[[Royal Thai Air Force Academy|Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy]] (Cadet students of the Royal Air Force Academy)
**1st Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy
**1st Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy
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'''[[Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment]]'''
'''[[Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment]]'''

*Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard
*Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard
** 1st Security Force Battalion, Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard, Security Force Command
** 1st Security Force Battalion, Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard, Security Force Command
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'''Anti-Aircraft Artillery'''
'''Anti-Aircraft Artillery'''

*Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
*Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
**1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
**1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
**2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
**2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
**3rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
**3rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
{{Tree list/end}}


== Former King's Guard units ==
== Former King's Guard units ==

=== [[Royal Thai Army]] ===
=== [[Royal Thai Army]] ===
'''''Infantry units'''''
'''''Infantry units'''''
⚫
''4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, King Chulalongkorn’s Guard (amalgamated with the Royal Security Command as King's Own Bodyguard Command in 2017)''

⚫
''4th Infantry Batallion, 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Chulalongkorn Guard (amalgamated with the Royal Security Command as King's Own Bodyguard Command in 2017)''


'''''Signal units'''''
'''''Signal units'''''

*''1st Signal Battalion, King's Guard''
*''1st Signal Battalion, King's Guard''
*''12th Signal Battalion, King's Guard''
*''12th Signal Battalion, King's Guard''
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'''''Medical units'''''
'''''Medical units'''''

*''1st Medical Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard''
*''1st Medical Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard''
*''2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard''
*''2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard''


'''''Ordnance units'''''
'''''Ordnance units'''''

*''Maintenance Battalion, Support Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard''
*''Maintenance Battalion, Support Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard''
*''Maintenance Battalion, Support Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard''
*''Maintenance Battalion, Support Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard''


'''''Transportation units'''''
'''''Transportation units'''''

*''Transportation Regiment, King's Guard''
*''Transportation Regiment, King's Guard''
**''1st Transportation Battalion, Transportation Regiment, King's Guard''
**''1st Transportation Battalion, Transportation Regiment, King's Guard''
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=== [[Royal Thai Navy]] ===
=== [[Royal Thai Navy]] ===
'''[[Royal Thai Marine Corps]]'''
'''[[Royal Thai Marine Corps]]'''

*''Marine Command Garrison, 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps''
*''Marine Command Garrison, 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps''
*''Marine Command Garrison, 3rd Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps''
*''Marine Command Garrison, 3rd Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps''


=== [[Royal Thai Air Force]]s ===
=== [[Royal Thai Air Force]] ===
'''''Squadrons'''''
'''''Squadrons'''''

* ''201 Helicopter Squadrons, King's Guard''
* ''201 Helicopter Squadrons, King's Guard''
* ''602 Royal Flight Squadrons, King's Guard''
* ''602 Royal Flight Squadrons, King's Guard''


== Royal Military Endorsement units ==
== Royal Military Endorsement units ==
In additional, they are established own's endorsement units. they are mostly retired, currently they have only three units left.
In addition, they established their own endorsement units. They are mostly retired, currently they have only three units left.


=== [[Royal Thai Army]] ===
=== [[Royal Thai Army]] ===

==== Active ====
==== Active ====

*6th Cavalry Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Queen Saovabha Phongsri's Endorsement Unit
*6th Cavalry Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Queen Saovabha Phongsri's Endorsement Unit
* 14th Cavalry Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Queen Saovabha Phongsri's Endorsement Unit
* 14th Cavalry Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Queen Saovabha Phongsri's Endorsement Unit
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==== Retired ====
==== Retired ====

*''1st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, King's Endorsement Unit''
*''1st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, King's Endorsement Unit''
*''6th Infantry Regiment, Crown Prince's Endorsement Unit''
*''6th Infantry Regiment, Crown Prince's Endorsement Unit''
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<gallery class="center">
<gallery class="center">
File:Palais Royal Bangkok.JPG|A Royal Guard at the gate of Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, [[Grand Palace]], [[Bangkok]].
File:Palais Royal Bangkok.JPG|A Royal Guard at the gate of Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, [[Grand Palace]], [[Bangkok]].
⚫
File:Regimiento Primero de Infantería de la Guardia Real, Gran Palacio, Bangkok, Tailandia, 2013-08-22, DD 04.JPG|Changing of the guard of the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guard, Grand Palace, Bangkok
⚫
File:Royal Thai Army Band in the royal guard dress.jpg|The Royal Thai Army Band in uniforms of various royal guards unit, ranked in the shape of the [[flag of Thailand]]
File:Princess Sirindhorn follow the royal chariot in the royal funeral procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG|HRH Princess [[Sirindhorn]] with her royal guards, 2012.
File:Princess Sirindhorn follow the royal chariot in the royal funeral procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG|HRH Princess [[Sirindhorn]] with her royal guards, 2012.
File:Colours guards of 1st Infantry Regiment in the Royal Funeral Procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda2.JPG|Colours guards of the [[1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard]]
File:Colours guards of 1st Infantry Regiment in the Royal Funeral Procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda2.JPG|[[Colour guard]] of the [[1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard]]
File:Military Band of 3rd Infantry Batallion, 1st Infantry Regiment of Thailand.JPG|A Military Band of 3rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard
File:Military Band of 3rd Infantry Batallion, 1st Infantry Regiment of Thailand.JPG|A Military Band of 3rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard
⚫
File:Unit colours of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard.jpg|Colour guard of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, [[11th Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard]]
File:The 1st Artillery Battalion prepared for a 21-gun salute for Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda's royal cremation ceremony (1).jpg|A company of the 1st Artillery Battalion prepared for a [[21-gun salute]] in the royal cremation ceremony of [[Bejaratana Rajasuda]], 2012.
File:The 1st Artillery Battalion prepared for a 21-gun salute for Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda's royal cremation ceremony (1).jpg|A company of the 1st Artillery Battalion prepared for a [[21-gun salute]] in the royal cremation ceremony of [[Bejaratana Rajasuda]], 2012.
File:Unit colours of the 1st Cavalry Squadron, King's Guard.JPG|Colours guards of the [[1st Cavalry Squadron, King's Guard]]
File:Unit colours of the 1st Cavalry Squadron, King's Guard.JPG|Colour guard of the [[1st Cavalry Squadron, King's Guard]]
File:Thai Royal Guards parade 2024 rehearsal - 20241124 162720.jpg|Troopers from 25th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
⚫
File:Unit colours of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard.jpg|Colours guards of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, [[11th Infantry Regiment (Thailand)|11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard]]
File:Thai_Royal_Guards_parade_2024_rehearsal_-_20241124_162600.jpg|Troopers from 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Guard
⚫
File:Royal Thai Army Band in the royal guard dress.jpg|The Royal Thai Army Band in uniforms of various royal guards unit, ranked in the shape of the [[flag of Thailand]]
File:Colours guards of RTNA in the royal funeral procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG|Colours guards of the Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Naval Academy]]
File:Colours guards of RTNA in the royal funeral procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG|Colour guards of the Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Naval Academy]]
File:Unit colours of the 1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard.jpg|Colours guards of the 1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Navy]]
File:Unit colours of the 1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard.jpg|Colour guard of the 1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Navy]]
File:Colours guards of RTAFA in the royal funeral procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG|Colours guards of the Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Air Force Academy]]
File:Colours guards of RTAFA in the royal funeral procession of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.JPG|Colour guard of the Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Air Force Academy]]
File:Unit colours of the 1st Security Force Battalion, King's Guard.jpg|Colours guards of the 1st Security Force Battalion, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Air Force]]
File:Unit colours of the 1st Security Force Battalion, King's Guard.jpg|Colour guards of the 1st Security Force Battalion, King's Guard, [[Royal Thai Air Force]]
⚫
File:Regimiento Primero de Infantería de la Guardia Real, Gran Palacio, Bangkok, Tailandia, 2013-08-22, DD 04.JPG|Change of the guard of the First Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guard, Grand Palace, Bangkok
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Commons category|Thai Royal Guards}}
{{Commons category|Thai Royal Guards}}
*[[Thai Royal Guards parade]]
* [[Thai Royal Guards parade]]
*[[Monarchy of Thailand]]
* [[Monarchy of Thailand]]
*[[Royal Security Command]]
* [[Royal Security Command]]
*[[Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces]]
* [[Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces]]
*[[List of army units called Guards]]
* [[List of army units called "guards"]]


==References==
==References==
Line 271: Line 255:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*Kenneth Conboy, South-East Asian Special Forces (Osprey)
* Conboy, Kenneth. ''[https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/southeast-asian-special-forces-9781780967653/ South-East Asian Special Forces]''. Osprey Publishing.


{{Military of Thailand}}
{{Military of Thailand}}
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[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1859]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1859]]
[[Category:Guards regiments]]
[[Category:Guards regiments]]
[[Category:Royal Guards|Thailand Royal Guards]]
[[Category:Royal guards|Thailand Royal Guards]]
[[Category:1859 establishments in Siam]]
[[Category:1859 establishments in Siam]]
[[Category:Thai monarchy]]
[[Category:Monarchy of Thailand]]
[[Category:Guards of honour]]
[[Category:Guards of honour]]


Latest revision as of 07:57, 3 December 2024

King's Guard
ทหารรักษาพระองค์
King's Guard during a royal ceremony in 2012
Active1859–present
Country
Branch
Type
  • Guard Corps (Army)
  • Guard Brigade (Navy and Air Force)
RoleExecutive protection
Size87 regimental units
MarchRoyal Guards March
(มาร์ชราชวัลลภ, March Raja Vanlop)

The King's Guard (Thai: ทหารรักษาพระองค์; RTGS: Thahan Raksa Phra Ong) is a ceremonial designation given by the Monarchy of Thailand to the various units within the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Practical and real security of the Royal family has since 1992 been provided by the Royal Security Command, which is an agency that is completely independent of the armed forces.[1]

History

[edit]
King's Guard at Grand Palace

The first Royal Guards unit was established by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1859, when he was still the heir. Initially, the Royal Guards were servants with duties such as scaring crows, which led to commoners referring to them as the "Mahat Lek Lai Ka," roughly translated as "Scarecrow Corps".

When he succeeded his father in 1868, King Chulalongkorn took his Royal Guard and formed a 24-strong Royal Bodyguard, referred to as the "Thahan Song Lo" (Two-Dozen soldiers"). In 1870, the Royal Guard regiment were given the name the "King's Guard" and their duties included escorting the king while he travelled around the country.

About the year 1875 the necessity for surveys in connection with improvements in the city of Bangkok, and for supervision in carrying out these improvements, led to the selection of certain officers of the royal bodyguard for training in this direction. These officers were formed into a special company called "Military Engineers of the Royal Bodyguard," in which Mr. James McCarthy held the rank of captain. A royal decree issued September 3, 1885, separated the surveyors from the royal bodyguard and created the Royal Survey Department,[2] which is now the Royal Thai Survey Department (Thai: กรมแผนที่ทหาร), a Special Services Group of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.

The Royal Guards still exist down to the present and many more units from all branches of the armed forces were given this distinction.[3][4] Today's King's Guard units serve as the Thai equivalent to the ceremonial guards units of various countries. However the role of the actual protection of the Royal family has been taken over by the Royal Security Command, established in 1992, with King Vajiralongkorn as its commander.

King's Guard units

[edit]

The Royal Guards are today composed of 87 formations (formerly 94 battalions or equivalents), mostly found in the Royal Thai Army.

Royal Security Command

[edit]

The Royal Security Command is in charge of two Infantry regiments:[5]

  • 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard (Thai: มหาดเล็กราชวัลลภ; RTGS: mahat lek ratcha wanlop), 'The king's close bodyguards')
    • 1st Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
    • 2nd Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
    • 3rd Infantry Battalion, 1st King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
  • 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard, (Thai: ทหารล้อมวัง; RTGS: thahan lom wang), 'The palace bodyguards')
    • 1st Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
    • 2nd Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment
    • 3rd Infantry Battalion, 11th King's Own Bodyguard Regiment

Royal Thai Army

[edit]
Cadet unit
  • Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard (Cadet students of the Royal Military Academy)
    • 1st Cadet Battalion, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
    • 2nd Cadet Battalion, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
    • 3rd Cadet Battalion, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
    • 4th Cadet Battalion, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
Infantry units
Cavalry units
  • 2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard
    • 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
      • 1st Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
      • 3rd Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
      • 17th Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
    • 4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
      • 5th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
      • 11th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
      • 25th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
    • 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
      • 20th Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Guard
      • 23rd Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
      • 24th Cavalry Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, King Vajiravudh's Guard
  • 4th Tank Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard
  • 2nd Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard
  • 30th Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard
Artillery units
  • 1st Field Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
    • 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
    • 11th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
    • 31st Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
  • 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
    • 2nd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
    • 12th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
    • 21st Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
    • 102nd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Queen Sirikit's Guard
  • 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, King's Guard, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
Engineer units
  • 1st Engineer Regiment, King's Guard
    • 52nd Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Regiment, King's Guard
    • 112nd Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Regiment, King's Guard
  • 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard
  • 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard
Special Operations

Royal Thai Navy

[edit]

Cadet unit

  • Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard (Cadet students of the Royal Naval Academy)
    • 1st Cadet Battalion, Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Royal Thai Naval Academy
    • 2nd Cadet Battalion, Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Royal Thai Naval Academy
    • 3rd Cadet Battalion, Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Royal Thai Naval Academy
    • 4th Cadet Battalion, Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Royal Thai Naval Academy

Royal Thai Marine Corps

  • 1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard, 1st Infantry Regiment, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps
  • 9th Marine Battalion, King's Guard, 3rd Infantry Regiment, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps

Royal Thai Air Force

[edit]

Cadet unit

  • Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy (Cadet students of the Royal Air Force Academy)
    • 1st Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy
    • 2nd Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy
    • 3rd Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy
    • 4th Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy
    • 5th Cadet Battalion, Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy

Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment

  • Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard
    • 1st Security Force Battalion, Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard, Security Force Command
    • 2nd Security Force Battalion, Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard, Security Force Command
    • 3rd Security Force Battalion, Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Regiment, King's Guard, Security Force Command

Anti-Aircraft Artillery

  • Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
    • 1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
    • 2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard
    • 3rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, King's Guard

Former King's Guard units

[edit]

Royal Thai Army

[edit]

Infantry units 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, King Chulalongkorn’s Guard (amalgamated with the Royal Security Command as King's Own Bodyguard Command in 2017)

Signal units

  • 1st Signal Battalion, King's Guard
  • 12th Signal Battalion, King's Guard
  • 2nd Signal Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard

Medical units

  • 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Division, King's Guard
  • 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard

Ordnance units

  • Maintenance Battalion, Support Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Division, King Vajiravudh's Guard
  • Maintenance Battalion, Support Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Queen Sirikit's Guard

Transportation units

  • Transportation Regiment, King's Guard
    • 1st Transportation Battalion, Transportation Regiment, King's Guard
    • 2nd Transportation Battalion Combat Team, Transportation Regiment, King's Guard

Royal Thai Navy

[edit]

Royal Thai Marine Corps

  • Marine Command Garrison, 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps
  • Marine Command Garrison, 3rd Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps

Royal Thai Air Force

[edit]

Squadrons

  • 201 Helicopter Squadrons, King's Guard
  • 602 Royal Flight Squadrons, King's Guard

Royal Military Endorsement units

[edit]

In addition, they established their own endorsement units. They are mostly retired, currently they have only three units left.

Royal Thai Army

[edit]

Active

[edit]
  • 6th Cavalry Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Queen Saovabha Phongsri's Endorsement Unit
  • 14th Cavalry Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Queen Saovabha Phongsri's Endorsement Unit
  • 3rd Infantry Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, Princess Srinagarindra's Endorsement Unit

Retired

[edit]
  • 1st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, King's Endorsement Unit
  • 6th Infantry Regiment, Crown Prince's Endorsement Unit
    • 1st Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Crown Prince's Endorsement Unit
    • 2nd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Crown Prince's Endorsement Unit
    • 3rd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Crown Prince's Endorsement Unit
  • 1st Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, King's Endorsement Unit
  • 2nd Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, King's Endorsement Unit
  • 3rd Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, Princess Royal's Endorsement Unit
  • 152nd Infantry Regiment, Princess Royal's Endorsement Unit
    • 1st Infantry Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Princess Royal's Endorsement Unit
    • 2nd Infantry Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Princess Royal's Endorsement Unit
    • 3rd Infantry Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Princess Royal's Endorsement Unit
  • 1st Infantry Battalion, Infantry Center, King's Endorsement Unit
[edit]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thai Royal Guards.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Charuvastra, Teeranai (13 October 2017). "Royal Decoration Awarded to King's Chief Bodyguard". Khaosod English. Gen. Suthida is the de facto head of security for His Majesty the King. Although she formally holds the title of deputy commander of the royal guard corps, the top rank had been left vacant since December 2016.
  2. ^ Giblin, R.W. (2006) [1908]. "Royal Survey Work.". In Wright, Arnold; Breakspear, Oliver T (eds.). Twentieth century impressions of Siam (65.3 MB). London&c: Lloyds Greater Britain Publishing Company. p. 121. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
  3. ^ Nationreligionking.com
  4. ^ "Thailand". Nation, Religion, King. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  5. ^ Charuvastra, Teeranai (1 October 2019). "'Emergency order' transfers army units to king's command". Khaosod English. Retrieved 5 November 2019.

Further reading

[edit]
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