Gen Worapong Sanganet, the Supreme Commander, on Sunday morning presided over a ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day at the National Memorial.
Soldiers attend a ceremony on Sunday to mark Armed Forces Day at the National Memorial. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Also attending the ceremony were Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, the army chief, Adm Kraisorn Chansuwanich, the navy chief, ACM Treetos Sonchaeng, the air force chief, Gen Paichayon Kathancharoen, the deputy defence permanent secretary, and Pol Gen Somyot Pumpanmuang, the police chief.
Jan 18 of every year is observed as Armed Forces Day because on this day in 1592 King Naresuan the Great of Thailand defeated Phra Maha Uparacha of Burma in an historic fight on the backs of elephants, known as the "Elephant Battle".
Gen Worapong, in a speech to mark the occasion, said the armed forces are duty bound to support the government, take care of the people, maintain national security and mitigate natural disasters for the public.