"Anutin" flies his personal jet into the tiger's den at Wing 1 Korat, with three F-16s flying alongside in a VIP escort mission simulation, delivers 5-point policy to enhance Air Force capabilities, asks personnel to preserve the spirit of sovereignty protection, delighted as Squadron 103 presents him with an F-16 patch bearing his call sign "Mickey."
At 09:00 on 14 August, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Security Council (NSC), arrived at Wing 1, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He was received by Air Chief Marshal Seksarn Khantha, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF Commander); General Adul Boonthamsorn, Minister of Defence; General Tarapong Malacom, Permanent Secretary for Defence; General Ukrit Boonthanan, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Wirayut Raksin, Commander of the 2nd Army Region; and senior Royal Thai Air Force officers.
The Prime Minister flew his personal aircraft to Wing 1. As his aircraft entered the Wing 1 airspace, three F-16 jets scrambled — two flying alongside his aircraft on the left and right, and one flying above — simulating a VIP escort flight training mission with an actual VIP on board, before landing.
The Prime Minister then mounted the reviewing stand to receive a salute from the honour guard, with three F-16 fighter jets conducting a flypast in his honour on the occasion of his inspection visit to Wing 1. He also watched demonstrations of Royal Thai Air Force missions, including simulated air strike missions known as Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air operations.
The Prime Minister then addressed the military personnel of Wing 1, saying he was greatly pleased to visit the tactical aviation unit of the Royal Thai Air Force at Wing 1, which he said is one of the Air Force's key assets. He said he had witnessed the readiness and capability of the Royal Thai Air Force through its past missions — particularly tactical fighter operations to protect national sovereignty in border security situations.
"I would like to commend all commanders, personnel, and officers who have carried out their duties with dedication and commitment, giving both physical and mental effort to protect national sovereignty and to provide reassurance to the Thai people. Enhancing the capability of the Royal Thai Air Force — especially fighter operations — is a critical mission."
"The government is ready and pleased to provide full support so that the Royal Thai Air Force can sustain the highest level of capability," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister went on to announce five key policy areas to elevate the Royal Thai Air Force's capabilities and strengthen national security over the long term. These consist of: 1. Development of air capability — pressing forward with the procurement of replacement fighter-attack aircraft, aerial refuelling aircraft, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (attack drones) as a Game Changer to elevate future air operations, alongside promotion of Thai talent and industry; 2. Space affairs for national security — driving continuous space reconnaissance and surveillance, including the acquisition of low-earth orbit satellites, the application of telescopes, and the advancement of the National Aerospace and Space Interest Coordination Centre into tangible outcomes in order to comprehensively protect national interests.
The Prime Minister further stated: 3. Disaster relief and public assistance — integrating personnel and equipment closely with agencies in the field so that the Royal Thai Air Force can reach and assist the public rapidly, effectively, and in time for every crisis situation; 4. Development of a combat network system — accelerating the development of Tactical Data Link systems into a National Link connected to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters' multi-domain joint command system, and supporting the "One Team Thai Armed Forces" concept so that all three armed services share a common operational picture and can operate together seamlessly; and 5. Defence industry development toward sustainable self-reliance — promoting the translation of Thai research and innovation, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles, into actual production and use, in order to create Made-in-Thailand products and elevate Thailand's defence industry.
"I would like to thank every Royal Thai Air Force personnel who together demonstrated unity, patriotism, and sacrifice for the common good. I ask that everyone maintain readiness, determination, and the spirit of serving the nation, so as to remain the principal force in defending sovereignty, protecting national interests, and building lasting security for the country," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister subsequently inspected tactical equipment and watched a Combat Search and Rescue demonstration conducted by H225M helicopters. On the occasion, Wing 1 presented a specially designed F-16 patch from Squadron 103, embroidered with an image of Mickey Mouse and the text "F-16 Fighting Mickey" — the call sign given to the Prime Minister during the flight, "Mickey."
