First Elements of the Thai Army “Queen’s Cobras” Regiment Arrive in Vietnam

The first troops of the Royal Thai Army Volunteer Regiment (the “Queen's Cobras”) arrive in South Vietnam, becoming the first Thai combat units to enter the war. They deploy near Bien Hoa Air Base and build a base camp. The main body of the regiment, which totals over three thousand men, arrives by the end of September. The Queen’s Cobras begin major combat operations in October, assisting in the pacification of Bien Hoa Province. They also build a hospital and 30 miles of roads, among other civic action projects, in their area of responsibility.¹