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What is the Chakra Mala Medal awarded for?

This medal honors soldiers for fifteen years of faithful and continuous service. To receive it, a person must serve in the military without any breaks in their career. It has been awarded to troops through many major conflicts, including the World Wars and the Korean War. This award proves that a soldier has stayed loyal and did their duty well for a very long time.

Who created this medal?

King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, started this award in 1893. He wanted a special way to honor career soldiers for their hard work. The King took ideas from European military medals and mixed them with Thai traditions. His goal was to recognize the long-term commitment of his officers and enlisted men.

What symbol is on the medal?

The medal features a sacred disc called the Chakra. This is an ancient symbol in Thailand that stands for strength and duty. It is used to show the power of the military and the importance of a soldier's job. By using this symbol, the medal connects modern soldiers to a long and proud history of protecting the nation.

Can civilian workers receive this award?

No, this medal is only for people serving in the armed forces. Civilians who work for the government get a different award called the Chakrabarti Mala Medal instead. Keeping these awards separate helps the country honor soldiers and government workers in their own special ways. It ensures that military honors stay reserved for those in the military branches.

Is good conduct required?

Yes, a soldier must have a perfect record to earn this honor. They cannot have any major discipline issues or trouble during their fifteen years of service. Only those who prove they have steady loyalty and follow all the rules are chosen. This strict requirement makes the medal a symbol of a truly honorable career.

What is the Chakra Mala Medal awarded for?

This medal honors soldiers for fifteen years of faithful and continuous service. To receive it, a person must serve in the military without any breaks in their career. It has been awarded to troops through many major conflicts, including the World Wars and the Korean War. This award proves that a soldier has stayed loyal and did their duty well for a very long time.

Who created this medal?

King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, started this award in 1893. He wanted a special way to honor career soldiers for their hard work. The King took ideas from European military medals and mixed them with Thai traditions. His goal was to recognize the long-term commitment of his officers and enlisted men.

What symbol is on the medal?

The medal features a sacred disc called the Chakra. This is an ancient symbol in Thailand that stands for strength and duty. It is used to show the power of the military and the importance of a soldier's job. By using this symbol, the medal connects modern soldiers to a long and proud history of protecting the nation.

Can civilian workers receive this award?

No, this medal is only for people serving in the armed forces. Civilians who work for the government get a different award called the Chakrabarti Mala Medal instead. Keeping these awards separate helps the country honor soldiers and government workers in their own special ways. It ensures that military honors stay reserved for those in the military branches.

Is good conduct required?

Yes, a soldier must have a perfect record to earn this honor. They cannot have any major discipline issues or trouble during their fifteen years of service. Only those who prove they have steady loyalty and follow all the rules are chosen. This strict requirement makes the medal a symbol of a truly honorable career.

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Service medal

Chakra Mala Medal

A military long service medal awarded to armed forces personnel for fifteen years of faithful duty.

Thailand Established 1893 All servicesPrecedence: Ranks among long service decorations for the armed forces

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for fifteen years of honorable, continuous military service with an unblemished conduct record.

Eligibility

Regular officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel across all branches of the armed forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Ranks among long service decorations for the armed forces

Chakra Mala Medal, Service medal, Thailand medal

History

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) created the Chakra Mala Medal in 1893 to celebrate long and faithful military service. It mirrored contemporary European long-service decorations adapted to Siamese traditions.

The medal features the sacred Chakra discus, an ancient emblem of strength and duty in Thai military symbolism. It instituted a standardized way to reward long-serving career officers and enlisted soldiers.

Over the past century, the medal has remained essentially unchanged in design and prestige. It represents an honorable career of uninterrupted loyalty and good conduct across all armed service branches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War IFranco-Thai WarWorld War II Korean War Vietnam War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Thanom Kittikachorn, including Victory Medal - World War II, Dushdi Mala Medal - Military Division, Chakra Mala Medal, Border Service Medal, Freemen Safeguarding Medal, Victory Medal - Vietnam War, Victory Medal - Korean War, Victory Medal - Franco-Thai War, The Honourable Order of Rama, shown against a light Thailand flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Vietnam

Victory Medal - World War II Dushdi Mala Medal - Military Division Chakra Mala Medal+6

Thanom Kittikachorn

Who Was Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn?

A prominent Thai military leader and Prime Minister involved in Southeast Asian conflicts.

Thailand1963-1973

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Sources

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