On 29 January 2026, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand, together with Group Captain Nawamarat Prapattong, Defence and Air Attaché, Colonel Theerachai Suksua, Army Attaché and Assistant Defence Attaché, and Captain Chartsiam Chaichoochoke, RTN, Naval Attaché and Assistant Defence Attaché, hosted a Reception on the Occasion of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day at the Marion Canberra.

Major General Chris Smith, DSC AM CSC, Deputy Chief of Army, attended the Reception as Guest of Honour. Also present at the event were representatives from the Australian Defence Force, Department of Defence of Australia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, representatives from the diplomatic corps and others.

 

In her remarks, the Ambassador paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of courageous Thai men and women in uniform, who protect and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and the security of the people, even as they may lose their lives or sustain permanent disabilities. She also highlighted the participation, since 1958, of the Thai armed forces in United Nations peacekeeping operations in different parts of the world, reflecting Thailand’s commitment to peace and to promoting peace and security in the region and beyond. She noted the armed forces’ current roles in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and in addressing transnational challenges and crimes, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, drug and human trafficking, and online scams.

 

The Ambassador further emphasized the close cooperation between Thailand’s and Australia’s armed forces through education, training and joint military exercises such as the Australian Talisman Sabre 2025 in which Thailand participated for the first time and the Thai Boomerang 2025 as well as through regular high-level exchanges. She underscored Thailand’s readiness to strengthen its strategic partnership with Australia and deepen cooperation not only in defence and security but also in all other dimensions.

 

In his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Army of Australia also expressed appreciation for the close ties and cooperation between Thai and Australian Armed Forces. Then, the Thai Defence and Air Attaché spoke about an overview of the role of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, followed by a video presentation of recent activities of the Thai military.