The Sattahip Naval Base marked Thai Armed Forces Day with oath-taking and marching.
Adm. Na Areenij, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, presided over the Jan. 18 “oath of allegiance to the colors” by battalions at the field in front of the Air Coastal and Defense Command. The forces, comprised of Sattahip- and Bangkok-based troops as well as cadets, then marched in formation.
The event culminated with a parade by the Royal Thai Naval Academy, Naval Air Division, Navy SEALs, Royal Thai Fleet, Naval Military Police Regiment, Naval Rating School, Naval Education Department, Naval Construction and Development Regiment, Sattahip Naval Base Security Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps Training Center, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division, 23rd Air Division, Coastal Defense Battalion 12 and Bangkok Naval Base Security Division.
Royal Thai Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over Burmese forces in 1593, as well as honor Thai military dead over the years. Each year all armed forces vow an oath to commemorate the Great King’s actions.
King Rama V designated the anniversary of the battle as a holiday.