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The role of Thailand in Korean War แก้
After the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, Thailand was one of the first countries to send its troops to help defend the Republic of Korea. The 21st Royal Thai Regiment was dispatched to the Republic of Korea under the U.N. force, embarking at Busan on Nov. 7, 1950.
The First Rotation Company joined the battle in Pyongyang. The Third Rotation Company fought at the battle of Pork Chop Hill, claiming a victory that earned Thai soldiers the honourable sobriquet of “Little Tigers” as well as “Thailand Number One.” Apart from being recognized by their commendable bravery, Thai soldiers were so much admired by local South Koreans for their amicable nature, genuine sincerity and willingness to render all possible assistance, thereby creating strong bonds of long-lasting friendship ever since.
Participation History แก้
| unit | Participation Period | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Thailand Division | Nov. 1950 to Jun. 1972 | ||
| Air Force | Transport Plane | C-47 | Jun. 18, 1951 to Nov. 6, 1964 | |
| Navy | Frigate Ship | Prasae | Nov. 7, 1950 to Jan. 7, 1951 | |
| Bangpakong | Nov. 7, 1950 to Feb. 16, 1952 | |||
| Prasae II | Dec. 29, 1951 to Jan. 21, 1955 | |||
| Tachin | Dec. 29, 1951 to Jan. 21, 1955 | |||
| Transport Ship | Sichang | Nov. 7, 1950 to Jul. 15, 1951 | ||
Operations in Korea แก้
Yeoncheon Area Defense แก้
The Thai Battalion was attached to the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division and defended the Yuldong area, north of Yeoncheon, from Jul. 31 to Sep. 7, 1951. During this period, the Battalion operated the outpost in front of the main defense line and performed a reconnaissance mission on the enemy's outpost. While patrolling on Aug. 18, they found 2 company size Chinese Communist Army and successfully launched a surprise attack on them. The Battalion became a reserve unit on Sep. 7.
Battle of Pork Chop Hill แก้
This was the battle in which the Thai Battalion after being attached to the U.S. 2nd Division fought against 2 enemy regiments under the command of the Chinese Communist Army 113th Division while defending the main defense line, northwest of Yeoncheon. After destroying the defense facilities in the Pork Chop Hill with an attack at night on Nov. 1, Nov, 7 and Jan. 10, 1952, the Chinese Communist Army sent company or battalion size troops and attacked Hill 234 three times. The Thai Battalion stopped the Chinese Communist Army Attack Unit's advance using fire power support from the Regiment and Division, and defended this outpost by defeating the Chinese Communist Army with hand to hand combat. The Thai Battalion caused the Chinese Communist Army heavy loss while only incurring minimal loss in this battle. The Thai Battalion received a nickname 'little tiger' for its bravery in this battle and gave the U.N. Forces confidence that they could defeat the Chinese Communist Army.
Battle of Kimhwa Hill 351 แก้
This was the battle in which the Thai Battalion fought against enemy units (46th, 47th) under the command of the Chinese Communist 16th Army Corps at Hill 351 located in the mid-point between Pyonggang and Kimhwa. The Thai Battalion as a member of the U.S. 2nd Division was dispatched to Hill 351, an outpost of the Division, on Jul. 13, 1953, and it defeated the Chinese Communist Army's several attacks from Jul. 14 to Jul. 27 with close-range combat using fire power support from the Division. They defended the position until Jul. 27 when the cease-fire agreement was signed. As a result of this battle, Hill 351, a key point on the Pyonggang - Kimhwa line, was included in the south side after the cease-fire agreement.
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Soldiers who joined the war แก้
| Rank | Number |
| Officer | 740 |
| Non-commissioned officer | 5,334 |
| Private | 5,702 |
Casualty Statistics แก้
| Total | KIA | WIA | MIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,273 | 129 | 1,139 | 5 |