Abstract:
This dissertation is a study of the Royal Thai Air Force and its role in Thai politics between 1937 and 1976. Between 1937 and 1949 the Royal Thai Air Force was compelled to consolidate itself by developing its organization to match those of the Army and the Navy. This factor, along with the fact that relations between the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and the governments of that period were not good, meant that the Royal Thai Air Force did not have a role in political changes. But from 1949 until 1976, The Air Forces role in both internal and foreign politics increased. This was because the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and the government were on good terms, especially during the time of Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force Fuen Ronnaphakat Ritthakhane and field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram. The United States of America also boosted the Air Forces resources, especially when, realizing the Air Forces importance during the Vietnam War, The United States gave the Royal Thai Air Force large amounts of aid. This resulted in the Air Force being given greater recognition inside the country, and also in its having a role to play in external affairs After the 14 October 1973 incidents, the Thai Militarys role in politics declined, as did the amount of American aid after the United States suffered defeat in Vietnam in 1975, leading to a corresponding decline in the role of the Royal Thai Air force in Thai politics.