‘Phumtham’ inspects the Royal Thai Air Force, focuses on developing personnel and increasing potential

'Phumtham' inspected the Royal Thai Air Force, emphasizing the development of personnel, increasing potential to support changing missions, such as satellite development, emphasizing the supervision of military conscription and recommending adjustments to the military conscription system so that those conscripted live close to their original hometowns for appropriateness, declaring that the army is ready to evacuate Thais in the Middle East as soon as the situation worsens, admitting that the Royal Thai Air Force has a role in transportation, understanding that the C-130s are limited and old, but the increase must be in line with the country's budget. Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, inspected and gave operational policies to the Air Force, which was the first official inspection visit since assuming the position of Minister of Defense, with Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (C-in-C) welcoming him. The Air Force or ganized a welcoming ceremony consisting of receiving respect from the honor guard, laying wreaths at the Air Force Monument, laying wreaths at the monument of Field Marshal Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, Prince of Bisnulok, and signing the guest book, as well as receiving the Honorary Flying Skill Badge. After that, they listened to a presentation summarizing the important performance of the Air Force at the Air Force Conference Room. Mr. Phumtham said after the first official visit and policy presentation to the Air Force at the Air Force Headquarters that today he was warmly welcomed and honored, just like when he visited other branches of the armed forces. He also learned about the role of the Air Force, which must be adjusted to suit the changing threats and combat styles. In the future, he admitted that space development is necessary, but on the other hand, it may also affect the budget for personnel development. However, if the changes are consistent and necessary, including clarity on the changing mis sions, the government is ready to support them. However, in terms of personnel, if there are unnecessary parts, they may have to be reduced. The most important thing is the personnel's perspective and attitude towards the changes, to keep up with the changes in society and the world. Mr. Phumtham also praised the role of the Air Force in helping people from past disasters, such as helping to transport equipment and personnel to help people. He accepted and understood the limitations that the C-130 aircraft, which are the main transport force, are limited in number and are in old condition. It must be admitted that the country still has budget constraints. If there is an increase in the budget, it is ready to support the Air Force more. During the flood disaster in Chiang Rai Province, the Air Force also used low-orbit satellite technology, NAPA 1 and NAPA 2, to support information to the Office of National Water Resources or ONWR and the NRDC. In the future, NAPA 3 will be developed to replace the NAPA 1 sat ellite, which is about to reach its end of life. This is an example of considering the mission to support the Air Force's budget to be appropriate for the situation. In addition, he also emphasized, like other armed forces, in terms of military recruitment, to be prepared and prevent incidents from happening, especially to emphasize and check whether commanders are in the training unit to take care of the personnel or leave it to the instructors only. In addition, in the future, he would like to see the development of the role of military recruitment, which currently the main role is the Royal Thai Army through the Military Registration Unit. What he wants to see is an adjustment of the system so that the soldiers who are recruited are in line with their original hometowns, for example, if they are hill tribe people or people in the North, they should stay in their original provinces, or people who live in coastal areas should stay in their hometowns, etc., which will be good for the morale of the personnel. He himself wants to develop this idea into reality in the military recruitment that will take place in 2025. At the same time, Mr. Phumtham also mentioned taking care of people in areas of conflict crisis, such as the Middle East at present, saying that the Air Force is already prepared, confirming that it is ready to send aircraft to help people immediately, but admitting that it will take time because most Thais in the Middle East are laborers and are scattered. Some do not want to return yet, so it takes time to collect various information through coordination with the local embassies and related agencies. However, he confirmed that there is a contingency plan and readiness if the situation worsens. We will immediately evacuate Thai citizens back. Source: Thai News Agency