The 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard () is an airborne force and rapid deployment force (RDF)'s King's Guard regiment of the 1st Division, King's Guard of the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Established in 1955, the regiment comprises highly trained paratroopers with armoured cavalry capabilities. However, it is not classified as a special forces or special operations forces. Except for the pathfinder unit in the 1st Infantry Battalion, it was organized as a special operations capable forces unit with special reconnaissance capabilities in preparation for airborne operations.
The original composition of this regiment consisted of three battalions: 1st Infantry Battalion serves as the airborne forces battalion spearheading RDF operations, while the other two function as light infantry. Based in Lopburi, the regiment carries the prestigious title âÂÂKing Bhumibol Adulyadej's Guards,â a tribute to its honored role in protecting the monarchy.
The 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard, traces its origins to 10 November 1955, when it was established as the 31st Combined Regiment (à ¸Âà ¸£à ¸¡à ¸Âà ¸ªà ¸¡à ¸Âà ¸µà ¹ 31). It became part of the 1st Division in 1956. The regiment's transformation into an airborne force began in 1969, with the 1st Battalion converting into a paratrooper unit, followed by the other battalions soon after.
In 1976, the regiment was elevated to King's Guard unit status, leading to its renaming as the 31st Infantry Regiment, KingâÂÂs Guard in 1979. A year later, in 1980, it was further honored with the title "King Bhumibol AdulyadejâÂÂs Own Guards."
The regimentâÂÂs paratroopers, known as the 31st IR (Para), are distinguished by their scarlet plumes on bearskin caps during ceremonial parades in full dress uniform.
The 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard is a regiment-level unit of the regular army divided into three infantry battalions sized, three companies sized departments operational forces, and the one HQ company.