31st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)
| 31st Infantry Regiment, King Guard | |
|---|---|
| กรมทหารราบที่ 31 รักษาพระองค์ ในพระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมชนกาธิเบศร มหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช บรมนาถบพิตร | |
 Emblem of the 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard | |
| Active | 31st Infantry Regiment, King Guard (1980 – present) 31st Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, King's Guard (1979 – 80) 31st Combined Regiment, 1st Division, King's Guard (1976 – 79) 31st Combined Regiment (1955 – 76) |
| Country |  Thailand |
| Allegiance | HM The King of Thailand |
| Branch |  Royal Thai Army |
| Type | Airborne forces King's Guard Rapid deployment force |
| Size | Regiment |
| Part of | 1st Division, King's Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Thanon Yai, Mueang Lopburi district, Lopburi |
| Nickname(s) | กองพันทหารเสือ (Musketeer battalion) กองพันมรณะ (Battalion of death) |
| Motto(s) | ยอมตายดีกว่าเป็นทาส "Death is better than be slave." |
| Engagements | |
| Decorations | _ribbon.svg){kind=small} Bravery Medal (1st & 2nd Battalion)[1] |
| Website | www.rdf31.com |
The 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard (Thai: กรมทหารราบที่ 31 รักษาพระองค์ ในพระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมชนกาธิเบศร มหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช บรมนาถบพิตร) is an airborne and rapid deployment force (RDF)'s King's Guard regiment of the 1st Division, King's Guard of the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Established in 1955, the regiment comprises highly trained paratroopers with armored capabilities. However, it is not classified as a special forces or special operations unit.
The regiment consists of three battalions: one serves as the airborne battalion spearheading RDF operations, while the other two function as light infantry. Based in Lopburi, the regiment carries the prestigious title “King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Guards,” a tribute to its honored role in protecting the monarchy.
History
[edit]The 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard, traces its origins to 10 November 1955, when it was established as the 31st Combined Regiment (กรมผสมที่ 31). It became part of the 1st Division in 1956. The regiment's transformation into an airborne force began in 1969, with the 1st Battalion converting into a paratrooper unit, followed by the other battalions soon after.
In 1976, the regiment was elevated to King's Guard unit status, leading to its renaming as the 31st Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard in 1979. A year later, in 1980, it was further honored with the title "King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Own Guards." [2][3]
The regiment’s paratroopers, known as the 31st IR (Para), are distinguished by their scarlet plumes on bearskin caps during ceremonial parades in full dress uniform.
Organization
[edit]The regiment is divided into three infantry battalions:
- 1st Infantry Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard
- 2nd Infantry Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard
- 3rd Infantry Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard
References
[edit]- ^ ราชกิจจานุเบกษา. แจ้งความสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง พระราชทานเหรียญกล้าหาญประดับธงชัยเฉลิมพล. เล่ม ๕๘, ตอน ๐ ง, ๒๙ เมษายน พ.ศ. ๒๔๘๔,หน้า ๙๑๓.
- ^ "ประวัติหน่วยกรมทหารราบที่ 31 รักษาพระองค์ (Thai)". กรมทหารราบที่ 31 รักษาพระองค์ (Official website of the 31st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard). Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
- ^ "History of the 1st Division, King's Guard (English)". กองพลที่ 1 รักษาพระองค์ (Official website of the 1st Infantry Division, King's Guard). Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
External links
[edit]- Official website of the 31st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard
- Thai Rapid Deployment Force
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