The กองพลที่ 1 รักษาพระองค์:ระหว่างความเป็นทหารอาชีพ และสถาบันทางการเมือง

Abstract

The 1^st Division, King’s Royal Guard is one of the most significant units of the Royal Thai Army, playing critical roles in strategic, political, and symbolic domains. The history of modern Thai politics demonstrates that the 1^st Division, King’s Royal Guard has not confined itself solely to a military function but has emerged as a “King’s Royal Guard Unit,” symbolizing loyalty to the monarchy. At the same time, it has been widely regarded as a “Revolutionary Division,” due to its recurrent involvement in coups d’état. This dual role both as protector of the monarchy and as a decisive political actor grants the division a unique position within Thailand’s power structure. This article analyzes the role of the 1^st Division, King’s Royal Guard through the theoretical frameworks of Civil–Military Relations and Military Professionalism, drawing on historical, political, and cultural perspectives to explain why this unit simultaneously operates as a strategic force and a potent political symbol. The findings reveal that: (1) the 1^st Division, King’s Royal Guard has consistently performed effectively in its military missions, including national security and special operations; (2) its status as a “King’s Royal Guard” provides a symbolic capital and political legitimacy unparalleled by other units; and (3) its recurrent participation in coup-making highlights the complex nature of civil–military relations in Thailand, diverging from Western models that seek to confine the military strictly within professional boundaries. In conclusion, the 1^st Division, King’s Royal Guard should not be seen merely as a combat unit but rather as a “military–political institution” that has shaped the trajectory of Thai democracy in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. Understanding this unit sheds light on the dual character of the Thai military.

1 นิ้ว

Keywords: The 1^st Division, King’s Royal Guard/Military Professionalism / Coups d’état