Editing Royal Thai Armed Forces (section)

==Role==
The Royal Thai Armed Forces primarily aim to protect the sovereignty and [[territorial integrity]] of Thailand. Their duties include defending the [[Monarchy of Thailand|Thai monarchy]] against all threats,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090418003625/http://www.schq.mi.th/EN/vision_mission.htm Vision]. schq.mi.th</ref> maintaining public order, and assisting in national disaster relief and drug control. Additionally, they support social development by cooperating with [[Government of Thailand|civilian government]] initiatives.

There are differing perspectives on the roles of the Thai armed forces. While their official duties are well-defined, some critics argue that their functions extend to preserving ruling class hegemony against democratic movements and facilitating the self-enrichment of high-ranking military officials<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ungpakorn|first1=Giles Ji|title=Why Does Thailand Need an Army?|url=https://uglytruththailand.wordpress.com/2016/02/06/why-does-thailand-need-an-army/|website=Uglytruth-Thailand|access-date=25 March 2016|date=2016-02-06|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206080250/https://uglytruththailand.wordpress.com/2016/02/06/why-does-thailand-need-an-army/|archive-date=6 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Eoseewong|first1=Nidhi|title=What's the point of having a military?|url=http://prachatai.org/english/node/5874|access-date=27 March 2016|work=Prachatai English|date=2016-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320144321/http://prachatai.org/english/node/5874|archive-date=20 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Rappa-2017" />

The Royal Thai Armed Forces have also played a role in international [[peacekeeping|peacekeeping efforts]]. Notably, they contributed to the [[United Nations]] peacekeeping forces, including their participation in the [[International Force for East Timor]] (INTERFET) from 1999 to 2002.<ref name="un.org">[https://www.un.org/peace/etimor/UntaetF.htm UNTAET] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807093942/http://www.un.org/peace/etimor/UntaetF.htm |date=7 August 2009 }}. Un.org. Retrieved on 18 January 2012.</ref> Additionally, they were part of the [[multinational force in Iraq]], contributing 423 personnel from 2003 to 2004.<ref name=r1/> This international involvement reflects their expanding role beyond national borders.