Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program (Thailand) 2023/24
Introduction
Australia and Thailand have had a defence relationship for over 70 years. This strong Defence cooperation between the two countries has involved a range of activities such as coalition operational deployments, United Nations operations, senior officer visits, exchange postings, exercises and training opportunities for individual officers in both countries.
The first Thai officer to attend an Australian military course was General Saiyud Kerdphol who completed the Australian Command and Staff Course at Queenscliff in 1958. Australia was also honoured to have His Royal Highness King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun attend military training at the Royal Military College Duntroon during the period 1972-1975 prior to serving with the Australian Special Air Service Regiment. In 2001, His Royal Highness graciously accepted the registration of the Thai-Australian Military Alumni Association (T-AMAA) under his Royal Patronage.
Defence Cooperation Program
The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) offers over 100 individual training positions in Australia annually across a range of courses. More than 2,400 Thai military officers have attended training in Australia since 1991. DCP training opportunities relate to; master’s level courses provided by Australian civilian universities, defence college courses, English language training, instructor training, specific service courses and general defence courses.
DCP Points of Contact
Key points of contact and additional sources of information relating to the ADF’s DCP with Thailand are as follows.
Defence Cooperation Education Officer (DCEO) Thailand/Cambodia
Major Mark Hughes
Phone: 081 8233221 / 02 344 6495
Email: [email protected]
Defence Cooperation Officer (DCO) Thailand
Khun Sawitree Jongsuwat
Phone: 081 8133612 / 02 3446386
Email: [email protected]
T-AMAA Facebook Page
DCP Training and Positions in Australia
The intent of the following section is to provide current information relating to the DCP training opportunities in Australia for Royal Thai Armed Forces personnel. The DCP is broken down into six programs as follows; Defence Cooperation Scholarship Program, Australian Defence College, Defence International Training Centre, Joint Training Program, Single Service Training and Seconded Officer Positions. Further information relating to the program is as follows.
2023/24 Defence Cooperation Scholarship Program (DCSP)
DCSP candidates are funded to undertake a postgraduate coursework program at an Australian civilian university. The program is funded by International Policy Division and Scope Global is contracted to manage the operational aspects of the program. Currently seven scholarships are available to Thailand at any one time.
2023/24 Australian Defence College (ADC)
ADC was established to meet the strategic needs of the ADF for joint professional military education and individual joint warfare training. Places are made available to Thailand on the following ADC courses: Defence Strategic Studies Course (DSSC), Australian Command and Staff Course (ACSC), Capability and Technology Management Program (CTMP) and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). Further information relating to ADC and the individual courses is provided below.
DSSC
One position is made available to Thailand annually to attend the DSSC and the position is rotated between the four services. Further information relating to the DSSC is provided below.
ACSC
Three positions are made available to Thailand annually to attend the ACSC (Joint). Further information relating to the ACSC is provided below.
CTMP
One position is made available to Thailand every two to three years for the CTMP and the position is rotated between the four services. The CTMP is not available to Thailand in 2018. Further information relating to the CTMP is provided below.
ADFA
Three places are made available to Thailand annually to attend ADFA. One place is allocated to each of the services and Thailand selects and prepares the candidates for the available ADFA positions. Further information relating to the ADFA is provided below.
Defence International Training Centre (DITC)
DITC is part of ADC and the unit provides reception training, English language training, instructor training and academic training. DITC is the first unit all foreign officers arrive at in Australia and it is the place where they receive initial reception and administrative support. Further information relating to the DITC is provided below.
Joint Training Program (JTP)
The JTP is managed by International Policy Division and the program provides a range of general defence courses relating to; military law, Cyber Security, UN training, financial management, disaster management, aviation safety, operations and technology. Further information relating to the JTP is provided below.
Single Service Training (SST)
SST positions are made available by the individual services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the program provides places for foreign officers on specific service courses. The foreign officers complete the training alongside their Australian counterparts. The courses relate to developing service specific skills relating to; command, leadership, management, trade skills and military skills.
Seconded Officer Positions
DITC
One Defence International Training Centre (DITC) Thai Seconded Officer (TSO) position is allocated to Thailand on a competitive secondment between the four services (RTArF, RTA, RTN, RTAF) every two years. Please contact the DCO to request further information with regard to this position.
ADFA
One ADFA Foreign Military Liaison Officer (FMLO) position is rotated to Thailand every five years. Please contact the DCO to request further information with regard to this position.
Peace Operations Training Centre
The Royal Thai Armed Forces are awarded a seconded Officer position at the Australian Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) on a rotational basis every 2 years. Please contact the DCO to request further information with regard to this position.