‘Model Soldiers’ to Implement HM King’s Training Course

Army chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong salutes a military parade in Bangkok on Jan. 18, 2019.

BANGKOK — A team of 100 soldiers will introduce a new training program devised by His Majesty the King to the army nationwide, a military news outlet reported Wednesday.

The 100 officers, who were trained under the new protocols by the King’s royal guard corps, will serve as “model soldiers” and demonstrate what they learned to other army recruits around the country, according to the Lapluangprang website, which reports military affairs.

The novel program was reportedly introduced by King Vajiralongkorn in order to enhance soldiers’ physical endurance, nutrition, psychology, and motivation.

The training takes 10 weeks to complete, army spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong told reporters on Aug. 17.

Advertisement

Lapluangprang said the course has already been adopted by the Ratchawallop, a royal guard corps working under His Majesty the King, and will be extended to the entire army.

Advertisement

It added that the policy was endorsed by army chief Apirat Kongsompong.

Since taking the throne in late 2017, His Majesty the King has been introducing changes to the armed forces, such as a new salute, new haircuts for police, and a new police uniform color.

King Vajiralongkorn, 67, has a military background himself, having attended the Royal Military College in Australia in his childhood.