Thailand
List for UN Allies
Thailand was the first to assist Korea among Asian countries. On June 30, 1950, five days after the war broke out, they demonstrated their will to support the UN resolution by sending 4 tons of rice. The UN Secretary General praised Thailand for their support, saying that we extend our gratitude for the Thai governments support for the UN resolution and its decision to send food to Korea.
Traditionally, Thailand used to hold the policy of neutrality. However, their decision to participate in the war provided an exemplary challenge to the Soviet propaganda which publicized that only Western imperialists wound dispatch troops to Korea. Their decision also clearly demonstrated the fact that the united efforts of the UN to stop North Korea aggressions were made to secure the blessings of freedom for mankind.
When the dispatch of troops to Korea got delayed, Thailand came to a conclusion that the Thai military forces would send a battalion-size unit of 1,000 soldiers. Besides this battalion unit, Thailand also sent 2 frigates, and the C-47 transport aircraft belonging to Royal Thailand Air Force for the support of naval and air operations.
The bravery of the Thai battalion unit was explicitly demonstrated in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. In this battle, the Chinese forces attacked the hill three times, but Thai soldiers successfully defended the hill till the end with hand-to-hand fighting and counter strikes. With this battle, the Thai soldiers came to have a nickname, Little Tiger.
Participation History
| Unit | Participation Period | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Thailand Division | Nov. 1950 to Jun. 1972 | ||
| Air Force | Transport Plane | C-47 | Jun. 18, 1951 to Nov. 6, 1964 | |
| Navy | Frigate Ship | Prasae | Nov. 7, 1950 to Jan. 7, 1951 | |
| Bangpakong | Nov. 7, 1950 to Feb. 16, 1952 | |||
| Prasae II | Dec. 29, 1951 to Jan. 21, 1955 | |||
| Tachin | Dec. 29, 1951 to Jan. 21, 1955 | |||
| Transport Ship | Sichang | Nov. 7, 1950 to Jul. 15, 1951 | ||
Casualty Statistics
| Total | KIA | WIA | MIA | POW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,273 | 129 | 1,139 | 5 | - |