Anutin inspects Korat air wing as F-16s escort flight

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the Royal Thai Air Force's tactical aviation unit at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima on 14 August 2026, following an F-16 escort exercise involving his private aircraft.

Three F-16s simulated a VIP protection mission as the Prime Minister's aircraft approached to land at the Korat base, where fighter aircraft are positioned under Thailand's national defence plan.

Border briefing and air force readiness

Anutin, who is also chairman of the National Security Council (NSC), arrived at Wing 1 in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district at 8am with Defence Minister Thodul Bunyathamcharoen, Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary Tharapong Malakham, and Armed Forces Chief General Ukarit Boontanon.

They were received by Air Force Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha and senior Royal Thai Air Force officers.

At the base, the Prime Minister was briefed on Wing 1's main duties, conditions in its operational area and the air force's actions during unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border. He also received briefings on major Royal Thai Air Force projects.

Anutin later addressed civil servants and personnel at the wing, urging them to conduct themselves as good public officials and members of both the air force and the country. He then inspected equipment used to maintain readiness for key Royal Thai Air Force missions.

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

Strategic role of Wing 1

Wing 1 is a strategically located unit under Thailand's national defence plan. Royal Thai Air Force combat aircraft are stationed there for air-power operations when orders are issued.

The NSC is Thailand's main national security body. Its duties include setting policy direction, proposing strategies and preventive measures, tackling security problems, preparing the National Security Policy and Plan, and issuing strategic threat alerts.

The visit was intended to allow the NSC to assess readiness and ensure decisions can be made accurately, continuously and promptly in both normal conditions and wartime.

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15 August 2026