Observed annually on January 18, Royal Thai Armed Forces Day honors the courage, service, and dedication of the military in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security. The date commemorates the historic victory of King Naresuan the Great in 1593, a defining moment in Thai history that symbolizes bravery, strategic leadership, and national pride. To celebrate this legacy, the Royal Thai Embassy and the Office of the Defense Attaché hosted a reception on the evening of February 6, 2026, at the Ministry of National Defense Convention Hall in Seoul. The event drew a distinguished assembly of foreign defense attachés, high-ranking South Korean military officials, representatives from the United Nations Command (UNC), and prominent leaders from across various sectors.
The proceedings began with a poignant moment of silence as all attendees paid a respectful tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who passed away on October 24, 2025. This solemn opening honored her enduring legacy and her significant role within the Thai military tradition. Following this tribute, the national anthems of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Korea were performed to symbolize the two nations’ deep-rooted friendship.
In his congratulatory address, H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Thai Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, emphasized that this occasion holds special meaning in the context of the enduring relationship between the two countries. He reminded guests that the close ties between Thailand and the Republic of Korea were founded upon the shared sacrifice of Thai soldiers who fought shoulder-to-shoulder during the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as by the military officials who engaged in vital post-war reconstruction efforts.
In 2025, a significant milestone in bilateral relations occurred with the solemn interment of two Thai Korean War veterans—Reserve Sergeant Manoch Pummaneekorn and Private Narong Yeamniyom—at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK), Busan.
Their return to Korean soil remains emblematic of the deep connection and enduring spirit of cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Sangrat underscored that the past year has seen even greater collaboration in defense and military affairs. He noted the high-level exchange marked by the visit of General Sonwit Noonpakdee, then Chief of Defence Forces, to the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, defense industry companies from both nations continue to work hand-in-hand to foster innovation and improve interoperability. This commitment to regional security is evidenced by active participation in joint exercises; last year, over 300 personnel from the ROK Navy and Marine Corps participated in the Cobra Gold 2025 multinational exercises in Thailand, with a similarly sized contingent set to take part in this month’s iteration.
In the wake of growing instability within the global order, the mission of the Royal Thai Armed Forces has become even more critical in safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ambassador reaffirmed Thailand’s dedication to supporting the Republic of Korea in their common mission to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. By strengthening security cooperation in all dimensions, both nations aim to foster a comprehensive environment where economic and social development can continue to prosper. In the spirit of everlasting friendship, the Ambassador invited all attendees to join him in a toast to a partnership that continues to grow for decades to come, benefiting both nations and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
