01. The flag of Thailand being painted in the sky by 3x Fairchild AU-23A Peacemakers.
For our first coverage of 2024, the MAphotoSG team visited the open house events held by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF, Kong Thap Akat Thai, Thai: กองทัพอากาศไทย) for National Children’s Day and National Aviation Day, on 13 January 2024. We bring you the action from Don Muang Air Base and Kamphaeng Saen Flying Training School.
National Children’s Day (Wan Dek Haeng Chati, Thai: วันเด็กแห่งชาติ) is a public holiday observed on the second Saturday of January every year. In Thailand, children are recognized as a precious asset, a vital element for future of the country. During this special day, local authorities organise free activities and open days to inspire the next generation of youths and create a memorable day out for the families. Similarly, the Royal Thai Air Force encourages the public to visit their airbases during Children’s Day (our past reports here). As with tradition, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed the theme for “Wan Dek 2567 B.E.” (C.E Year 2024) to be: “Broaden horizons, think creatively, respect diversity and jointly build a democratic society”.
National Aviation Day (Wan Kanbin Haeng Chati, Thai: วันการบินแห่งชาติ) is designated on 13 January every year to commemorate King Mongkut’s (Rama VI) vision for the advancement of aviation in Thailand. In 1912, under the instruction of King Mongkut, three officers were sent to study aeronautics in France, together with the purchase of seven aircraft for flight training. Subsequently, they graduated and returned in 1913 as Thailand’s first pilots. The Aviation Division of the Siamese Army (now Royal Thai Army) was set up in Sra Pathum Airfield, and local test flights started on 29 December 1913. Finally, on 13 January 1914, with large crowds and King Mongkut’s attendance, the pioneering pilots took to the skies for a remarkable achievement – the first ever public flight demonstration by Thai pilots, in Thailand, on Thai-owned aircraft.
This year, with the culmination of two celebrations in a single day, the RTAF invited the public to attend the open house events held in 20 bases spread across 17 provinces. Emphasising the vision “Unbeatable Air Force”, RTAF took the opportunity to showcase how to be strong and effective, “not just to defend sovereignty, but to be by the side of the Thai people in times of need and disaster”. In return, the Thai public showed overwhelming support for the air force; total attendance hit 404,830 with Wing 23 in Udorn Air Base setting a record 50,000 visitors.
Map of the Static Display line-up (Credit: RTAF FB)
Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Bangkok
Located in the heart of Thailand is the 110-year old Don Muang Airport, Asia’s oldest operational airfield. It was built in 1914 to address the need for a more conducive flying environment from Sra Pathum, which also functioned as a racecourse. Don Muang is currently a joint use facility; the international airport takes up the western part and the military base takes up the eastern part. It is home to Wing 6 and serves as RTAF’s Headquarters, with many primary operational and command units based there. Unfortunately, due to busy civil aviation traffic, Children’s Day flying activities in Don Muang could not live up to pre-COVID times, being limited to only two 20-minute airspace closures. Despite that, the open house still drew a large crowd of 28,00, attributing to the diverse static display and convenient access from city centre.
The opening ceremony was graced by RTAF Commander-in-Chief, ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul. At 8.15am, a solo F-16B MLU conducted a 5-minute display which consisted of low and high speed passes, and a series of high-G turns. At 8.20am, 3 AU-23 Peacemaker concluded the opening ceremony, flying past the airfield releasing smoke representative of flag colours.
Separately, The National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force, located adjacent to Don Muang Air Base, also hosted its own set of Children’s Day activities. The museum is linked to a BTS Skytrain station of the same name, and RTAF provided free shuttle services to-and-fro the airbase.
02. Families were eager to catch a glimpse of the action, queuing to enter as early as 7am.03. RTAF’s vision “Unbeatable Air Force” has been highlighted often of late, forming the basis of its modernisation plan that will be announced in February 2024.04. RTAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Punpakdee Pattanakul gives an opening speech.05. High speed flypast by a F-16B MLU (90-0735, 403 Squadron, Takhli Air Base), shortly after the Children’s Day event was declared open.06. Flypast of 3x Fairchild AU-23A Peacemakers, releasing coloured smoke.07. Pilots from bases across Thailand gathered in Don Muang for a day full of friendly exchanges. 08. RTAF Security Force Command provides base protection and crowd control for the event.09. A young girl tries out the vehicle mounted M60 machine gun.10. Basler BT-67 (46159), a modified version of the Douglas C-47. 461 Squadron uses the type for cloud seeding and aerial firefighting operations. They are based in Phitsanulok.11. Airbus A340-541 (HS-TYV), operated by 602 Squadron for VIP long-haul transport missions.12. ATR 72-212A (60302). Operated by 603 Squadron. 13. Diamond DA40NG (60465) basking in the morning sun. Operated by 604 Squadron which conducts training for RTAF’s female pilot course. 14. Cockpit of the PAC CT/4B Airtrainer (60453). Also in the hands of 604 Squadron.15. Thailand Aviation Industries (TAI) RTAF-6, indigenously manufactured and licensed make of the Aermacchi SF.260 MT. 16. Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker (42083). A Vietnam War era aircraft which was subsequent sold to RTAF, they are still being operated by 501 Squadron for surveillance and light attack missions. 17. General Dynamics F-16B OCU (86-0379). Operated by 103 Squadron in Korat Air Base. 18. KAI T-50TH Golden Eagle (40107). 401 Squadron operates the type as Lead-In-Fighter-Trainers (LIFT).19. Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet TH (23143). Used for Close Air Support by 231 Squadron based in Udorn.20. Saab JAS-39D Gripen (70102). Operated by 701 Fighter Squadron from Surat Thani. 21. Northrop F-5TH Super Tigris. Operated by 211 Fighter Squadron from Ubon. Upgrades to the Super Tigris variant have enabled these dated airframes to possess BVR and EW capabilities.22. Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk, configured for VIP duties. Operated by 203 Squadron out of Lop Buri. 23. Airbus Helicopters H225M, configured for combat search and rescue. Operated by 201 Squadron out of Lop Buri. 24. A series of historic aircraft were also towed from the museum to the apron. Grumman F8F-1B Bearcat (front) and Curtiss Hawk 75N (back) pictured. 25. North American T-28D Trojan. 26. Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.27. Façade of the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force.28. Military working dog demonstration.29. Replica of the Paribatra (Thai: บริพัตร), a two seat bomber. It was the first Thai-designed aircraft, manufactured by the Royal Siamese Air Force in 1927. 30. LTV A-7E Corsair II of the Royal Thai Navy.31. Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatros with a 2013 tailart, marking the type’s 20th year of operation. L-39’s LIFT role has been taken over by the T-50TH; this airframe was added to the museum in Aug 2023.32. The museum also receives airframe donations from foreign militaries. This MiG-21bis was donated by Vietnam People’s Air Force in 2014.33. Also on display is Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Northrop F-5T Tiger II.34. F-16B with tailart commemorating RTAF’s 100th Anniversary. 35. Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver.36. Restoration area of the museum, seen here is a Fairchild F-24J.37. Hawker Siddeley HS.748. 38. RTAF Aviation Park, built to honour the forefathers of RTAF on its centennial. The centrepiece is a 4-ship “Diamond” display consisting of a F-16A, RF-5A, F-5E and F-86F.
Flying Training School, Kamphaeng Saen Air Base, Nakhon Pathom
RTAF’s Flying Training School (FTS) composes of the 1st and 2nd Flying Training Squadron. Pilot trainees start their basic training with the CT-4E of the 1st Flying Training Squadron. Trainees then proceed to fly under the 2nd Training Squadron. Those streamed for multi-engine aircraft will fly the DA-42NG, whilst fast-jet trainees will fly the PC-9M (progressively replaced by the T-6C).
Located about 100 kilometers from Don Muang Air Base, FTS offers a reasonably accessible alternative with more opportunities to witness flight operations up close. Also facilitated by a less congested airspace, flying activities were aplenty. Throughout the day, fighters such as the F-16D MLU and JAS-39D Gripen put up 5-minute solo demonstrations, whereas trainer aircraft such as the T-6C, CT4-E and DA-42M/NG conducted 4-ship flypasts.
39. Entrance of RTAF’s Flying Training School, Kamphaeng Saen Air Base.40. A light-hearted take on weather forecasting.41. FTS organised the Children’s Day Open House in line sustainability goals. For example, recycling and sorting of waste was greatly encouraged throughout the event.42. Pilots of the DA42NG Twin Star conducting after-start checks. 43. Forming up in quick succession after takeoff.44. A photographer captures the tight 4-ship “Diamond” formation.45. The entire sequence from start-up to shutdown was in full view of spectators; shown is a mini “Elephant Walk” whilst returning to dispersal area. 46. With a toy plane at hand, a boy watches and mimics the movements of the performing aircraft.47. 2x AU-23A Peacemakers conducts a fly-by. They took off from their base in Prachuap Kiri Khan to conduct fly-bys over 3 bases, a testament to the type’s range and endurance.48. A T-6C pilots acts as the commentator for the flying activities.49. Crowds undeterred by the scorching afternoon sun, occupying the field adjacent the runway to get the full view of the highlight – flying demonstrations by fighter jets. 50. F-16B MLU (90-7032, 403 Squadron, Takhli Air Base) performs a sneak pass. The aircraft was also on a sortie to conduct demonstrations on multiple airfields.51. The raw power of the F100 engine was felt during the low passes and high-G manoeuvres. 52. Shortly after the F-16B display, the airfield was cleared in preparation to launch the Saab JAS39D Gripen.53. Flight control surfaces check. From the distinctive canard configuration, one can see the origin of the squadron’s emblem and nickname: “Ferocious Shark of the Andaman”. 54. Crowds lined up along the taxi path to wave off the Gripen. 55. Powering off runway 21, headed back to Surat Thani Air Base. 56. To the delight of spectators, the Gripen turned back for an unplanned demonstration.57. Mannequin kitted in full flight gear, along with a display of the survival equipment carried.58. Getting a “touch” and “feel” of the aircraft, which for some might be a first.59. Livestreams were broadcasted by FTS on Facebook, keeping locals informed on the latest activities.60. A senior RTAF Commander distributes gifts to children.61. After the conclusion of flying activities, the taxiways were converted to a temporary firing range, which turned out to be a popular attraction with long queues.62. A blank casing being ejected from the M16 rifle. 63. A young boy is taught how to operate the M60 machine gun.64. PAC CT/4E Airtrainer (RR.22). Operated by 1st Flying Training Squadron.65. Diamond DA42NG (RR.05). Operated by 2nd Flying Training Squadron.66. T-6C Texan II (’06’). Operated by 2nd Flying Squadron. 67. AT-6E Wolverine Light Attack Aircraft. RTAF is the launch customer of the type, having ordered in 2021. This airframe was used as a demonstrator (ex N601AT), but now delivered to RTAF for use as an engineering development aircraft.68. Saab JAS39D Gripen (70101). Operated by 701 Fighter Squadron. 69. Pilatus PC-9M (’22’). Operated by 2nd Flying Training Squadron, it is being replaced by the T-6C. 70. Another Northrop F-5T Tiger II from the Republic of Singapore Air Force is seen, this time in the grounds of the Flying Training School.71. Saen Muang Buri (แสนเมืองบุรี), a local attraction housed within the compounds of the Flying Training School. A Sikorsky S-58T, Lockheed T-33A, Cessna T-37 and RFB Fantrainer is on display.
