31st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)


The 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard is a King's Guard regiment of the 1st Infantry Division, King's Guard of the Royal Thai Army. The regiment was created in 1955. The regiment, despite being designated an infantry regiment is in fact a rapid deployment force unit. The regiment is based in Lopburi. The regiment was honoured with the additional title of 'King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Guards'.

History

The regiment was founded on the 10 November 1955 as the 31st Combined Regiment. In 1956 the regiment became part of the 1st Infantry Division, King's Guard. The 1st Battalion of the regiment was transformed into a paratrooper unit in 1969, the rest of the battalions soon followed. In 1976 the regiment was designated a King's Guard unit. The regiment's name was changed from the '31st Combined Regiment' to '31st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard' in 1979. In 1980 the regiment was further honoured with the additional title of 'King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Own Guards'.

Organization

The regiment is divided into three infantry battalions: