Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
The Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Thai: โรงเรียนนายร้อยพระจุลจอมเกล้า) is the military academy of the Thai army. Established in 1887[1] it has produced the vast majority of Thailand's military leaders and many Thai Prime Ministers.
History
The Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy was founded in 5 August 1887, by King Chulachomklao, otherwise known as King Chulalongkorn. It was originally called the Royal Military Academy. On 1 January 1948, it was merged with the Royal Thai Army Polytechniques Institute, under the name of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in honour of its founder, King Chulalongkorn.
The Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy was originally located in the precinct of Saranrom Palace in Bangkok, where it remained for 77 years. In 1909 the Academy was moved to the Rajadamnoen Nok Avenue where it stood until July 10, 1986. It then moved to a new sprawling complex in Khao Cha-ngoke in Mueang District of Nakhon Nayok Province, 140 km northeast of Bangkok.
Cadets
The Academy admits only male applicants. All would-be cadets must attend the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.[2]
Each academic year, 8 to 10 scholarships are provided by the Royal Thai Army for distinguished first year cadets to study in foreign Military Institutes.
Cadets graduate with a bachelor's degree in their fields of study, and are appointed Second Lieutenant within the Royal Thai Army.
Alumni
The Academy has produced the vast majority of Thailand's modern military leaders. Due to several military coup d'etats, it also produced many Prime Ministers and political leaders as well. Several prominent alumni include:
- General Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister from 1980 to 1988
- Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram, graduated in 1914, Prime Minister and military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957.
- Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata, Prime Minister and military dictator of Thailand from 1957 to 1963.
- General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, graduated in 1969, de facto Prime Minister of Thailand from 2006 to present.
References
External links
- http://www.crma.ac.th Official website of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
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