History
Narrative Summary
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is one of the oldest air forces in Asia, being formed in 1913. Three Thai Army officers, who had been sent to France for pilot training, returned in November 1913 with eight military aircraft. This formed the basis for establishing the Siamese Flying Corps, which operated under Army control until 1937, when it became an independent service called the Royal Siam Air Force. Two years later the service was renamed the Royal Thai Air force.
Key Dates
| 28 Feb 1912 | First Thai Army officers sent to France for pilot training | |
| 2 Nov 1913 | Siamese Flying Corps first established | |
| 1919 | Siamese Flying Corps renamed Royal Siamese Aeronautical Service | |
| 1937 | Royal Siamese Aeronautical Service renamed Royal Siamese Air Force | |
| 1939 | Royal Siamese Air Force renamed Royal Thai Air Force |
Current Status
The Royal Thai Air Force is fully operational.
Future Plans
To be added.
Markings
National Insignia
To be added.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Since 1949, the RTAF has operated a sophisticated serial numbering system that describes the aircraft role, type, individual number and year of purchase. Full details are given on Steve Darke’s Thai-Aviation website – see link below. The number is displayed in Thai script in a relatively small font. In addition, aircraft often retain the serial number assigned by the previous operator, e.g. the US FMS serial.
Unit/Base Codes
Each RTAF aircraft carries an individual squadron code, in addition to the air force serial, which can be reused as aircraft are retired. For front-line aircraft the code is normally a five-digit number, while for second-line aircraft shorter numbers are often used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
The RTAF has its own aircraft designation system which is incorporated into the aircraft serial number, as mentioned above.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
To be added.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Don Muang Air Base, Bangkok.
Organisational Structure
The RTAF is organised into four Air Divisions, each comprising two or three Wings. Each Wing has between one and six Squadrons.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
To be added
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
See current order of battle.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
World Air Forces Directory 2013/14 by Ian Carroll (Mach III)
Magazines
World Air Power Journal Vo.8 p.145-146
Websites
Official Royal Thai Air Force website
