Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the ceremony commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Volunteer Defense Corps. He urged the corps to heed the royal advice and aspirations of His Majesty the King, and to perform their duties with courage, bravery, honesty, and integrity for the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Volunteer Defense Corps, led the ceremony honoring the Volunteer Defense Corps and the oath of allegiance to the corps flag on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the Volunteer Defense Corps in 2026. Also present were Deputy Minister of Interior, Sakda Wichiansilp; Deputy Minister of Interior, Sasithorn Kittithornkul; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Arsit Sampanrat; Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Narucha Khosasilvilai; Governor of Pathum Thani Province, Ekawit Meepian; and approximately 1,100 commanders, officers, and members of the Volunteer Defense Corps.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Volunteer Defense Corps, presented the "Defender of the Nation" insignia and the Volunteer Defense Corps Commendation Pin, as well as awards for outstanding Volunteer Defense Corps companies, standard companies, and outstanding Volunteer Defense Corps members for the year 2025.
The Prime Minister stated that, on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the Volunteer Defense Corps in 2026, he would like to congratulate all those who have received the Lifetime Service Award, the Volunteer Defense Corps Commendation Pin, the Outstanding Volunteer Defense Corps Company Award, and the Outstanding Volunteer Defense Corps Members. The Volunteer Defense Corps originated from the royal aspirations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who bestowed invaluable royal advice urging the volunteer territorial defense officers to diligently perform their duties, striving to train and educate the people to understand their responsibilities at various levels from personal to national.
Furthermore, during the present reign, His Majesty the King has a royal aspiration to continue, preserve, and expand the mission of national security and to alleviate suffering and promote well-being among the Thai people. In 2026, the Prime Minister urged all commanders, officers, and members of the Volunteer Defense Corps to embrace the royal teachings and aspirations of both monarchs in driving the missions of the Volunteer Defense Corps, which include maintaining peace and order and internal security, preparing for natural disasters, and implementing rear area protection plans.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of upholding the principle of being "up-to-date, modern, and timely" to "alleviate suffering and promote well-being" for fellow citizens, while upholding the institutions of the nation, religion, and the monarchy.