Royal Thai Air Force Bases

During 1954–1975 (the Vietnam War or Second Indochina War), the Thai Government allowed the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) to fund and manage the modernization of Royal Thai Air Force bases. In an unsigned agreement these airbases were to be operated by the United States Air Force for the specific purpose of attacking North Vietnam with some 500 airplanes. These bases were supplied by a Naval Base near the deep-water port of Sattahip 12 37' 42" N, 100 55' 29" E. Many American military specialists were assigned to JUSMAG-THAI in Bangkok. As many as 45,000 US military personnel were stationed in Thailand.

During the 1960s Thailand experienced one of the most rapid growth rates among developing countries: more than 10% per year in GNP, and about 8% per year in real output. The First National Economic Development Plan (1961-1966) was successfully implemented. US grant economic assistance totalled about US$500 million through the end of 1970. Direct military assistance totalled another US$800 million for the same period, continuing at the rate of US$25–55 million per year. According to US government statistics, between 1950 and 1987 the US provided Thailand with more than US$2 billion in military assistance.

The vast nature of this enterprise enriched Thailand at every level of society, enabling a jump in indigenous heavy construction, communications, transportation, and defense. The following categories are found in United States Government Accountability Office catalog summaries: locomotives, aeronautical ground services, Bangkok-Saraburi Highway, southern roads, development loans, technical support, civil police, village radios, agricultural development, rural health, potable water, malaria eradication, rural electrification, Chiang Mai Medical School.

Additionally, there was the construction of 315 km (196 mi) of all-weather roads in the north and northeast, requiring 138 bridges and culverts, costing US$11 million (US$174,000 for maintenance equipment; requiring the training of 199 personnel (36 mechanics, 6 supply specialists, 97 equipment operators, 60 drivers)).

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