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What was the purpose of this medal?

King Bhumibol Adulyadej created this medal in 1969 to honor those who protected Thailand during the Cold War. It was given to soldiers and helpers who fought against groups trying to take over the country from within. By giving this award, the nation said thank you to the brave people who kept the borders safe and protected their homes.

Can civilians receive the Freemen Safeguarding Medal?

Yes, civilians were definitely allowed to earn this honor. Many local people joined the fight as armed volunteers to protect their own towns and villages. These brave people stood side by side with professional soldiers to stop attacks and keep their communities safe from harm.

How many classes does the medal have?

The medal comes in two different classes to show how a person helped. The First Class was given for acts of great bravery during combat or very dangerous border missions. The Second Class was awarded to those who provided important support during the long fight against enemy groups.

Who created the medal?

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, started this medal in 1969. He wanted to make sure that the people fighting to keep Thailand safe were honored with an official state award. Before he created this medal, there was no special national way to recognize these important security efforts.

Did the Border Patrol Police receive this?

Yes, the Border Patrol Police were among the most frequent winners of this award. They spent much of their time in far-away areas keeping watch for enemies. Because they worked on the front lines every day, they played a huge role in the fight to secure Thailand's borders.

What was the purpose of this medal?

King Bhumibol Adulyadej created this medal in 1969 to honor those who protected Thailand during the Cold War. It was given to soldiers and helpers who fought against groups trying to take over the country from within. By giving this award, the nation said thank you to the brave people who kept the borders safe and protected their homes.

Can civilians receive the Freemen Safeguarding Medal?

Yes, civilians were definitely allowed to earn this honor. Many local people joined the fight as armed volunteers to protect their own towns and villages. These brave people stood side by side with professional soldiers to stop attacks and keep their communities safe from harm.

How many classes does the medal have?

The medal comes in two different classes to show how a person helped. The First Class was given for acts of great bravery during combat or very dangerous border missions. The Second Class was awarded to those who provided important support during the long fight against enemy groups.

Who created the medal?

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, started this medal in 1969. He wanted to make sure that the people fighting to keep Thailand safe were honored with an official state award. Before he created this medal, there was no special national way to recognize these important security efforts.

Did the Border Patrol Police receive this?

Yes, the Border Patrol Police were among the most frequent winners of this award. They spent much of their time in far-away areas keeping watch for enemies. Because they worked on the front lines every day, they played a huge role in the fight to secure Thailand's borders.

Home Library ThailandFreemen Safeguarding Medal

Distinguished service decoration

Freemen Safeguarding Medal

Awarded to armed personnel and civilians who defended national borders against communist insurgencies.

Thailand Established 1969 All servicesPrecedence: Ranked among service to the nation medals, directly following campaign awards

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for meritorious and brave service in suppressing armed insurgencies and safeguarding territorial integrity.

Eligibility

Military forces, Border Patrol Police, and armed volunteers performing anti-insurgency operations.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Ranked among service to the nation medals, directly following campaign awards

Freemen Safeguarding Medal, Distinguished service decoration, Thailand medal

History

Instituted in 1969 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), this medal addressed internal and border security challenges during the Cold War. It was designed to honor those who fought against insurgent groups inside Thailand.

The medal was created in two classes: First Class for combat heroism and dangerous border action, and Second Class for operational support. It replaced ad-hoc security recognitions with an official state honour.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of soldiers, border patrol police, and brave local villagers received this award. It remains one of Thailand's most common modern security honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Communist Insurgency in ThailandVietnam 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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