King Vajiravudh
Observes
Flying Demonstration
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On January 13, 1914, His Majesty King
Vajiravudh (King Rama VI) personnally viewed demonstration flight
by the first three Thai pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Luang Sakdisulyavudh,
Major Luang Arvudsikikorn and Captain Luang Thayanpikat at Sra
Pathum Race Course. Later they were honoured to become the Pioneers
and Founding Fathers of the RTAF.
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First Landing at Don Muang
by Pioneers & Founding Fathers of RTAF
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March
8, 1914
As aviation in Thailand developed, Sra Pathum Race Course
was deemed too small and inconvenient. The Government therefore
decided to relocate the airfield to its permanent site which
was Don Muang for its size and location were more suitable.
On March 8, 1915, the Pioneers and Founding Fathers of the
RTAF flew to Don Muang Airfield for the first time.
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Military Operations
Other Than War
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Breguet 14 was primarily
designed to be a reconnaissance bomber in the wartime. However,
besides its military roles, the aircraft was also used to support
welfare of Thai people. Breguet 14 flew airmail service and
air ambulance providing airlift support for patients in remote
areas of the country.
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The Flight to India
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In response to the invitation
from Indian Government, Thailand sent two Boripat bombers to
New Delhi for a goodwill visit. The flight, led by Colonel Phraya
Vehasayan Silaprasit, left Don Muang on December 24, 1929 and
successfully boosted the relationship between the two countries.
The journey was the first-ever flight overseas by Thai designed
and built aircraft.
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Air Battle over Ban Yang
(Flight Lieutenant Chalermkiat Wattanangkura)
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On January 24, 1941 during
the French Indochina Conflict (1940-1941), Flight Lieutenant
Chalermkiat Wattanangura led a flight of three Hawk IIs to
reconnoiter Thai border. At Ban Yang near Aranyapradesh, the
flight met an enemy Potez 25 reconnaissance biplane escorted
by two MS-406 fighters so they intercepted. Flight Lieutenant
Chalermkiat managed to shoot down the Potez.
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Nagoya in Action
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On January 28, 1941, during
the French Indochina Conflict (1940-1941), the RTAF dispatched
nine Ki-30 Nagoyas escorted by three Hawk 75s to bomb Pailin
and Srisophon in French Indochina. The attack caused serious
damage to the enemy. This was the last air operation of the
conflict.
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Heroic Deed at Wing 5 |
Early in the morning of December
8, 1941, the Second World War broke out when Japanese forces invaded
Thailand. One of the invasion forces landed at Manaow Bay in Prachuap
Khiri Kan where they met a fierce resistance from Wing 5. Officers,
enlisted men and conscripts withstood the attack, 40 men and 2
women died in the battle.
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Hayabusa and B-29
(Flight Lieutenant Terdsak Worasap)
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On November 27, 1944, during
the Second World War (1941-1945), the Allied sent 55 B-29s to
bomb Bang Sue Marshalling Yard in Bangkok. Flight Lieutenant
Terdsak Worasap led a flight of 7 Ki-43 Hayabusas to intercept,
which he shot down a B-29.
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Air
Battle Over Lampang
(Pilot Officer Kamrob Plengkham)
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On November 11, 1944,
during the Second World War (1941-1945), nine P-51 Mustangs
and seven P-38 Lightnings attacked Lampang. The RTAF sent
five Ki-27 Ota fighters to intercept. Although they fought
courageously all Thai fighters were shot down. Pilot Officer
Kamrob Plengkham could shoot down one P-51 and a P-38 was
heavily damaged as well.
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Unsung Hero
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On March 6, 1973, during Anti-Communism
Campaign, at Doi Phaji in Nan Province, Thai soldiers were
seriously injured while fighting the Communist guerillas.
The RTAF sent a UH-1H helicopter to rescue the wounded soldiers.
Despite being heavily fired upon, the pilot managed to land
his helicopter and evacuated the wounds safely to hospital.
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