Royal Thai Armed Forces Day observed

BANGKOK, January 18 (TNA) - Senior military and police officers, led by Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, have observed the Royal Thai Armed Forces' Day, which falls on every January 18, by laying wreaths and paying respect to Thailand's late King Naresuan the Great and all nine Thai kings who were named the Great. The ceremony was held on Saturday morning at the National Memorial in Bangkok to commemorate the victory of King Naresuan the Great in his battle against the Vice-King of Myanmar, which took place on January 18, 1592. The senior Thai military and police officers also laid wreaths at the statue of King Rama V the Great and performed Buddhist religious rites for the deceased Thai warriors who had defended national sovereignty. Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha was absent due to tight schedules, but assigning his deputy, General Udomdet Sitabut, to attend the annual ceremony on his behalf. (TNA)