The Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad celebrated Armed Forces Day (Wan Kong Thap Thai) on 11th February 2026 at a local hotel in Islamabad. Ambassador H.E. Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr and Defence Attache Colonel Nikhom Chumpoo hosted a grand reception to mark the day of historic victory of King Naresuan the Great in a legendary elephant duel against the Burmese Crown Prince in 1592/1593. It honors the courage and sacrifice of the military in defending Thai sovereignty.
Vice Admiral Syed Ahmed Salman Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan was Chief Guest at the evening while many other officials from all three wings of Pakistan Military also graced the event with their presence. Ambassadors of ASEAN committee Islamabad and Defence Attaches of a large number of countries from across the globe also participated in the celebration.
Ambassador H.E Rongvudhi Virabutr in his address to the participants extended warm welcome and briefed them about the role of armed forces in the defence of the homeland and maintaining peace in the region and contributions in the UN peace missions around the world.
Defence Attache Colonel Nikhom Chumpoo , in his welcome address, shed light on the services of the Royal Thai Armed Forces for their nation. He said, “Royal Thai Armed Forces Day is an important occasion for us to honour the men and women in uniform who serve their nation with discipline, responsibility, and dedication.”
” It is also a moment to reflect on the enduring values of courage, eadership, and duty—values that have guided Thailand’s armed forces for generations, and continue to shape how we serve our country and work with our partners today, he added.
He paid rich tributes to to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Thailand’s sovereignty. “We honour the dedication and selflessness of Thai service members, past and present, whose commitment continues to safeguard the nation and contribute to peace and stability, Colonel Nikhom Chumpoo noted.
On Thailand Pakistan, he shared, ” Both sides have shared a long-standing and friendly relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1951. Over the years, cooperation between our two countries has grown steadily, including close cooperation between our armed forces, built on mutual respect and trust.”
An important milestone in defence relations was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in 2021. This agreement provides a clear and practical framework for dialogue, training, and professional exchange between our armed forces.
The Defence Attache said, “Within this framework, our cooperation takes place through regular senior-level staff dialogue and service-to-service engagement, as well as participation in international defence and maritime forums.”
” Another important aspect of our cooperation is professional exchange and military education across various levels. This exchange continues today, including participation in staff-level education at the Command and Staff Colleges of both countries, Colonel Chumpoo mentioned.
He reaffirmed on behalf of the Royal Thai Armed Forces the importance placed on cooperation, mutual understanding, and practical engagement with our partners.
Short Introduction of The Royal Thai Armed Forces
The Royal Thai Armed Forces primarily aim to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand. Their duties include defending the motherland against all threats,maintaining public order, and assisting in national disaster relief and drug control. Additionally, they support social development by cooperating with civilian government initiatives.