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Defense Permanent Secretary Flies F-16BM, Inspects Wing 1 Korat, Highlights Air Defense Role

Defense Permanent Secretary Flies F-16BM, Inspects Wing 1 Korat, Highlights Air Defense Role

Matichon•General•3d ago

Reader Briefing

The Permanent Secretary of Defence visited Wing 1 in Korat, flew in an F-16BM, and reiterated the importance of combat readiness in safeguarding national airspace.

  • •On May 22, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of Defence visited Wing 1, Korat, to assess air security readiness.
  • •The visit included an F-16BM observation flight and a tour of high-performance aircraft like the Gripen.
  • •The Permanent Secretary emphasized the crucial role of Wing 1 in national defense and praised the dedication of its personnel.

Overview

  • •On May 22, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of Defence visited Wing 1, Korat, to inspect operational readiness.
  • •The Permanent Secretary of Defence, Gen. Tharaphong Malakham, participated in an observation flight in an F-16BM.
  • •The visit aimed to monitor combat readiness and preparations for air security missions by the Royal Thai Air Force.
  • •The Permanent Secretary of Defence stated that Wing 1 is a core combat unit vital for defending Thai airspace, sovereignty, and national interests.
  • •The Permanent Secretary of Defence inspected high-performance aircraft, including the 'Gripen' fighter jet.
  • •The Permanent Secretary of Defence urged continuous maintenance of operational standards and combat readiness within the unit.
  • •The reinforcement of national defense capabilities and security in all dimensions was the objective of the visit and subsequent directives.
  • •The Permanent Secretary of Defence expressed gratitude and encouragement to all personnel for their service and commitment.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Gen. Tharaphong Malakham
"Is a main combat unit with an important role in protecting Thai airspace, defending independence, sovereignty, and national interests."
เป็นหน่วยกำลังรบหลักที่มีบทบาทสำคัญในการพิทักษ์น่านฟ้าไทย ปกป้องเอกราช อธิปไตย และผลประโยชน์ของชาติ
Gen. Tharaphong Malakham
"Personnel and pilots have performed their duties with sacrifice, bravery, and professionalism, building public confidence and gaining international recognition."
กำลังพลและนักบินได้ปฏิบัติหน้าที่ด้วยความเสียสละ กล้าหาญ และเป็นมืออาชีพ สร้างความเชื่อมั่นต่อสาธารณชนและเป็นที่ยอมรับในระดับนานาชาติ

Key Entities

Person

Permanent Secretary of Defence(ปลัดกลาโหม)
The individual who visited Wing 1 in Korat, flew in an F-16BM, and emphasized the importance of air defense.
Gen. Tharaphong Malakham(พล.อ.ธราพงษ์ มะละคำ)
The Permanent Secretary of Defence who visited Wing 1, Korat, and participated in an F-16BM flight to observe mission capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Suchart Teppharak(พล.อ.อ.สุชาติ เทพรักษ์)
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Defence accompanying the Permanent Secretary on the visit to Wing 1, Korat.
Air Chief Marshal Seksan Khantha(พล.อ.อ.เสกสรร คันธา)
The Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force who welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Defence and his delegation at Wing 1, Korat.

Place

Wing 1 Korat(กองบิน 1 โคราช)
The air force base visited by the Permanent Secretary of Defence to assess combat readiness and operational capabilities.
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province(อำเภอเมืองนครราชสีมา จังหวัดนครราชสีมา)
The specific location of Wing 1 in Korat, visited by the Permanent Secretary of Defence.

Organization

Royal Thai Air Force(กองทัพอากาศ)ℹ️
The military branch whose readiness and operational missions related to air security were inspected at Wing 1, Korat.