Thahan Phran

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Thahan Phran


caption=
countryThailand
allegiance=
type=Paramilitary Force
branch=Royal Thai Army
dates=1978 - Present
specialization=
command_structure=
size=
current_commander=
garrison=Pak Thong Chai
ceremonial_chief=
nickname=Nak rob sua dum (นักรบเสื้อดำ) english translate : Black shirt warrior
motto=Chad Sassana Pramahakasat (Nation Religion The King)
colors=Black
march=
mascot=
battles=
notable_commanders=
anniversaries=The "Thahan Phran" (ทหารพราน; literally "Hunter Soldiers"; Rangers) is a paramilitary light infantry force which patrols the borders of Thailand and is part of the Royal Thai Army (RTA).

History

The "Thahan Phran" was originally formed in 1978 to clear Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) guerrillas from mountain strongholds in Thailand's northeast. Some of its initial recruits were convicted criminals whose sentences were remitted; others joined to obtain parcels of land granted as a reward for successful campaigns.

Requirements

Before joining Thahan Phran, all candidates must be able to pass the following requirements:
* Age 18-29
* Need to pass physical test
* Graduate grade 5
* Living near the locationIf the candidates haven't the requirements above they must have a special ability like having experience about the location.

Unit

The force is led by regular officers and NCOs, with the other ranks comprising both full-time and part-time personnel. Roughly one-third of these regional-level troops are given more advanced training to become an army-level force. The force completed a major reorganization and downsizing in late 2001. This was due to changes in the threats on Thailand's eastern and western borders as well as RTA budget cuts. The total strength is now believed to be about 11,000, around half the number that existed a decade ago. The headquarters at Pak Thong Chai, some 30km south-southwest of Korat, was closed and command transferred to the army's four regional headquarters. The "Thahan Phran" now have thirteen regimental headquarters (each with 46 headquarters personnel), 107 90-man companies, and twelve women's squads (each 11-strong). Five regiments, with 37 companies, are now responsible for guarding the border with Myanmar - the 31st, 32nd, 35th and 36th Regiments in the northwest, and the 14th Regiment in Kanchanaburi.

Activities

On the western frontier, where there is sporadic fighting, the "Thahan Phran" work closely with the RTA and the Border Patrol Police. On the eastern border, facing Laos and Cambodia, they now have primary responsibility for border surveillance and protection. Many Rangers have been killed or wounded in recent years during cross-border attacks by Myanmar troops or their allies, the United Wa State Army and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army. In February 2001, a 19-man "Thahan Phran" base designated Unit 9631, situated at Ban Pang Noon near Mae Sai on the Myanmar border, was captured by 500 Myanmar troops.In a major victory for Thailand and the "Thahan Phran", in October 1981, a "Thahan Phran" squad from Pak Tong Chai was used to force the drug warlord Khun Sa to move his headquarters from northwest Thailand across the border into Myanmar.

The "Thahan Prahan" have had a troubled history, with units often accused of atrocities, abuse of authority, and involvement in the drug trade. It has also been reported that these units included a large majority of local thugs who often made use of their status to continue to commit crimes against their fellow citizens.