National Defence College of Thailand

The University of National Defence ( Thai วิทยาลัย ป้องกัน ราช อาณาจักร, RTGS: Witthayalai Pongkan Ratcha - anachak; engl. National Defence College of Thailand) is an educational institution for higher officers of the Thai armed forces and civilians in Bangkok.

The Thai National Defence College was established on the initiative of Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram on February 2, 1955 in life. It is operated from the top bar of the Thai armed forces. It is located in the Thanon Vibhavadi Rangsit in Bangkok's Din Daeng District.

Famous former students

Since its inception, the graduates of the College have both the military and also influenced the political realm of the kingdom shall prevail. Among the most famous former students include:

• Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, Prime Minister in 1958 and 1963-73 ( graduating class 1)
• Professor Sanya Dharmasakti, Prime Minister 1973-75 ( graduating class 1)
• General Serm Na Nakhon, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces 1978-81 ( graduating class 4)
• General Kriangsak Chomanan, Prime Minister 1977-80 ( graduating class 5)
• General Sayud Kerbphol, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces 1981-83 ( graduating class 5)
• General Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister 1980-88, President of the Privy Council since 1998 ( graduating class 9)
• Kasit Piromya, Foreign Minister 2008-11 ( graduating class of 32)
• General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, commander in chief of the army 2005-07, leader of the military junta ( " National Security " ) 2006 ( graduating class of 42)
• General Saprang Kalayanamit, assistant to the commander in chief of the army, General Secretary of the " National Security " 2006-07 ( graduating class of 43)