Army Commander Signs Orders Appointing 228 Battalion Commanders to Strengthen Border and Security Operations
The Thai Army appointed 228 battalion commanders across all regional commands to strengthen border security and address complex security challenges, with significant reassignments in the Southern region and adjustments along the Northern bo
On April 28, 2025, General Pana Kaewlipat, Commander of the Royal Thai Army, signed Army Order 121/2569 appointing 228 battalion commanders across all branches including infantry, cavalry, artillery, special forces, communications, engineering, and aviation units in every regional command. The Northeastern region sees extensive position rotations among multiple battalions, while the Thailand-Cambodia strategic border area maintains its current composition without changes. Similarly, the Northern border experiences several adjustments to address anticipated future developments. Regional Command 4 stands out with significant reassignments in both infantry and ranger units to support safe area control and maintenance according to army policy amid increasingly complex security challenges. Regional Command 1 adjusts personnel in Division 1, the 902nd Infantry Battalion, and the 2nd Cavalry Division, with appointments including Lieutenant Colonel Charoen Charoendech as commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Division, and Major Watthaphon Phumphothitong as commander of 11th Battalion, 1st Division. Regional Command 2 restructures elements of the 3rd and 6th Infantry Divisions and 3rd Cavalry Division, with Major Setsathorn Puangbanyen becoming commander of the 22nd Ranger Regiment and Major Nithikorn Srikham as commander of the 26th Ranger Regiment. Regional Command 3 adjusts the 1st Cavalry Division, 4th Infantry Division, and 7th Infantry Division. Regional Command 4 reorganizes the 5th and 15th Infantry Divisions and ranger forces, with appointments including Major Natthawuth Makhasaen as commander of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, and Major Chairutthee Hansarachai as commander of the 49th Ranger Regiment. Additional notable appointments include Lieutenant Colonel Phanuthat Songngam as commander of the 5th Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion, and Lieutenant Colonel Panyasidhee Phaenkaew as commander of the 1st Engineer Regiment, 6th Battalion.
