Territorial Defense Command

Territorial Defence Department (1948–2001) Army Reserve Command (2001–2009) Territorial Defense Command (2009–present)
File:Official seal of the Territorial Defense Command, Royal Thai Army.png Unit Insignia
Founded	4th February 1948
Country	Thailand
Branch	Royal Thai Army
Part of	Royal Thai Army
Website	https://www.tdc.mi.th/index.html
Commanders
Current commander	Lieutenant General Watcharin Muthasin

The Territorial Defense Command (Thai: หน่วยบัญชาการรักษาดินแดน), known as the Army Reserve Command (หน่วยบัญชาการกำลังสำรอง) from 2001–2009 and the Territorial Defence Department (กรมการรักษาดินแดน) before that, is a department of the Royal Thai Army. It is responsible for the management of the country's reserve affairs, including the training of Territorial Defence Students.

Its headquarters is located on the corner of Sanam Chai and Charoen Krung roads. Its main building, a two-storey neoclassical structure, was built in 1922, and is listed as a registered ancient monument.

History

The Territorial Defense Command, established from the 'Kingdom's Territory Defense' act in B.E. 2491 (1948), was formed in the aftermath of the coup d'état of B.E. 2490. Its creation aimed to facilitate civilian participation in national defense and to reduce military expenditures.

Later, Territorial Defence Students received the benefit of exemption from conscription.

File:กรมรักษาดินแดน 2020.jpg

The Territorial Defense Command headquarters

Affiliated agencies

• Reserve Affairs School, Army Reserve Center
• Territorial Defense School, Army Reserve Training Center
• Infantry Battalion, Territorial Defense Command
• Khao Chon Kai Territorial Defence Student-Training Camp
• Army Reserve Training Center
• Army Reserve Center