SAPM Talk Ep. 12: An Open Conversation with “Big Ko” Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of JIC

From his role as the Air Force Spokesperson to his current positions as Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and The Director of Thailand's Joint Information Center on the Thailand-Cambodia Situation (JIC) , Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee “Big Ko” shares his perspectives on these pivotal roles amidst security challenges and the nature of modern warfare. He also outlines how the Air Force is adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of modern technology. SAPM Talk Ep. 12 offers an inside look at the work of Air Force leadership, covering their guiding principles for serving the force and the nation, approaches to supporting the new generation of personnel, and their vision for the Air Force’s future and public engagement.

Current Situation at the Thai-Cambodian Border:

Regarding field visits by the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center, the objective is to observe the actual conditions on the ground. We often receive reports, view images, and encounter various trends and rumors including those originating from the Cambodian side. Visiting the area and speaking directly with those stationed there allows us to witness firsthand how our frontline troops perform their duties and understand their sentiments. Soldiers on the front lines may hear various reports that cause anxiety, so we visit to offer moral support. There are also matters they may not be able to voice themselves; we gather this information, subject it to verification and analysis, and then communicate it to relevant target groups. Ultimately, our goal is to instill confidence, boost morale, and convey the realities observed on the ground to the public and the international community.

As for Prasat Ta Kwai, it can certainly be developed into a tourist attraction. Regarding other areas, there are plans for development as well; from what has been announced, the Phu Makhuea area is slated to feature jogging paths and various "check-in" points. Phu Makhuea is our territory a beautiful ridge situated at an elevation of 350 meters. From there, one can see both the Thai and Cambodian sides, as well as the mountain ranges and cliffs. It is a pity, however, regarding Prasat Ta Muean Thom. It is an ancient site representing a thousand-year-old civilization, built upon the beliefs of people from the past, yet it became a site of contention, clashes, and conflict. Consequently, local people have been unable to fully benefit from it. In reality, it ought to be a place of learning a site where one can understand how things were done and how structures were built in ancient times.

Pressure After Assuming the Position:

On my first day of duty while I was inspecting operations and visiting the "Heroes' Day" event at Wing 3 I received a call from the team of the Deputy Minister of Defence. They invited me to serve as the Director of JIC. At that moment, I had no prior information; I spent the flight back reflecting on the situation. I had to return quickly because a clash was imminent, and drones were being launched for reconnaissance. Was I under pressure? Initially, I was startled wondering what the Deputy Minister of Defence was thinking when assigning me the role of JIC Director. Ultimately, however, I viewed it as a service to the nation. I began planning and preparing, drawing upon my experience as the Royal Thai Air Force Spokesperson and as an instructor at the Air Command and Staff College. Drawing upon accumulated knowledge regarding strategic communication, we developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) , a set of operational guidelines. We held an evening meeting that very day and immediately set to work. We worked happily, united by a common goal. Was there pressure? Initially, yes, but I quickly composed myself and proceeded with the nation's interests as the objective. It was no easy task. As I am due to retire in 2026, I take great pride in my long career ensuring that factual information reaches the public and helping Thailand maintain its current standing. I firmly believe that Thailand is in no way inferior to other nations. I want to emphasize that this work transcends the merely national level; it operates on a global scale.

The Royal Thai Air Force in 2026:

A key factor this year is the clear vision held by Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). He has clear intentions regarding every issue even routine matters. For instance, the roles of female personnel are being enhanced, and the elderly care center is seeing improvements in accommodation and overall quality of life. He places strong emphasis on a culture of professionalism. Regarding the "Offset Policy" (strategic compensation), he insists on concrete implementation in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Personnel development is also a priority, focusing on quality of life, happiness, and job satisfaction. Operationally, we analyze past lessons to identify and address any shortcomings. All of this aligns with the RTAF vision: to be an efficient air force driven by network-centric operations.

From RTAF Spokesperson to Assistant Commander-in-Chief:

There is a significant difference in the nature of the duties compared to serving as the RTAF spokesperson. At that time, I was the Director of the Policy and Plans Office within the Directorate of Operations. I studied and learned what a spokesperson ought to say specifically, how to distill the Air Force Commander-in-Chief’s policies into easily understandable terms. I adopted a strictly proactive rather than reactive approach: if there was something that needed to be conveyed, I conveyed it; if the media wanted to know something, I provided that information. I viewed the media as allies and vital communication channels. I consistently applied this principle, treating the press with respect across all platforms. Later, when I served as the Deputy Director of Civil Affairs, I stepped back from that specific media role due to a heavy workload. Subsequently, I served as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and then as the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force. Each role entailed different responsibilities. The position of Assistant Commander-in-Chief involved duties defined by law and specific assignments from the Commander-in-Chief, bringing greater responsibility. I chaired the organizing committee for the Air Force concert, oversaw the restructuring of Air Force base locations, led the committee to enhance the capabilities of Chiang Rai Airport, and handled various other tasks assigned by the Commander-in-Chief.

The guiding principle that instilled in me a sense of duty toward the nation:

Every role and duty is significant because my entire life has been dedicated to the Air Force. A strong air force as demonstrated during the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia ultimately benefits the nation. I often adhere to the "Yor" (Y) principle, starting with: 1. Yim (Smile) To avoid stress: 2. Stay calm (*Yen*). When news arrives which might be fake or misleading one must remain calm, examine the details clearly, and verify the facts. 3. Praise (*Yor*). Team members should appreciate and encourage one another; mistakes can be corrected, so it’s not a problem. 4. Yield (*Yom*). If the issue isn't critical, sometimes it’s best to just let it go.

Ways to manage stress:

1. Exercise. 2. Remind yourself constantly that "this too shall pass." Try not to internalize things that cause stress and work with confidence having a good team helps. Do I feel stressed? Deep down, perhaps. But as a leader, I have to play a specific role; if I show stress, the whole team becomes stressed. Of course, there is pressure, but I rely on mindfulness and knowledge. When making decisions that carry both pros and cons, I consult superiors or decision-makers; once the direction is clear, the work becomes easier. To put it simply: don't shoulder all the problems yourself, look at the bigger picture. No one cares about your health as much as you do. If you push yourself to the limit but your body gives out, you can't go on. This is standard management for any leader. Every leader experiences stress, but managing it is what matters. I once described stress management using the "5S" framework: 1. Sleep, 2. Sport (exercise), 3. Smile, 4. Speak (communicate), and 5. Sex.

Dealing with AI and fake news:

We have cyber experts monitoring the situation. Sometimes, AI-generated images contain specific markers that can be spotted, though we can still be deceived at times. Nevertheless, AI remains useful. This is particularly relevant when comparing multiple models, for instance, having AI draft the structure of a complex task, which is then reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure appropriateness, legal compliance, and alignment with communication objectives. Furthermore, we have issued warnings to all personnel regarding the use of open-source AI, strictly prohibiting the input of top-secret or sensitive information into these systems, while simultaneously providing ongoing education. The Air Force has long utilized AI in areas such as Command and Control (C2) and automated detection systems; it is not a new concept for us. However, the most critical priority is fostering an understanding among the new generation of personnel regarding the ethical use of AI and ensuring that their decisions do not negatively impact the Air Force as a whole.

Regarding the US plan to revive the "Angkor Sentinel" joint exercise with Cambodia should Thailand be concerned? In terms of military training, our own training activities are already more extensive than Cambodia's. The scope of any exercise depends on the host nation's capabilities; typically, these involve general training. Whom the US chooses to train with is a matter of custom and their prerogative; we cannot dictate their choices. Our focus must remain on continuously enhancing our own capabilities. On the international stage, we operate in accordance with international law and respect for territorial boundaries. We have no policy of aggression, yet we stand ready to defend the nation should any hostile action be initiated against us. Military exercises take various forms ranging from tabletop exercises to simulations and do not necessarily involve the use of live weaponry. We possess years of experience in major joint exercises, such as "COPE Tiger" conducted with foreign air forces, and we maintain operational readiness. Therefore, as they advance their capabilities.We must adjust accordingly to avoid falling behind; ultimately, however, the two nations remain interdependent and inseparable.

Caring for Junior Personnel:

Regarding junior personnel including conscripts we prioritize professional training alongside a comprehensive improvement in their quality of life. We assist in creating career opportunities for them and provide close supervision, as we have found that over 50% face issues related to narcotics, while some struggle with psychiatric conditions or difficulties in adapting. We manage them with understanding, upholding human dignity, and strictly prohibiting any form of physical abuse. As for the direction of the Royal Thai Air Force, we are committed to advancing our master plan and strategic goals to become "one of the best air forces in ASEAN" fully prepared to defend the nation. This involves acquiring modern combat assets such as Gripen E/F aircraft, aerial refueling systems, and state-of-the-art equipment to enhance our capabilities in interception and force neutralization in the event of aggression. All these efforts are driven by the Commander-in-Chief’s vision, which emphasizes personnel skill development, equipment modernization, and the advancement of modern warfare systems including drones, counter-drone technology, and integrated network systems ensuring expert, precise operation and peak readiness to defend the nation through continuous development.

A Message to the Public:

I would like to inform the public that, in my capacity as Director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center, I am acting on behalf of the nation. I want everyone to be assured that any responses or clarifications we issue will strictly avoid provocation or emotional reactions. Everything is grounded in facts, joint statements, and the policies of the government, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the service chiefs; we operate in complete unity. My primary duty is to distill complex and confusing matters into easily understandable terms. When faced with criticism from other parties, it is my responsibility to provide clarifications based on facts, allowing the public to exercise their own judgment. Finally, on behalf of the Royal Thai Air Force, I ask the public to have confidence that we are the people's soldiers fully prepared to perform our duties under the Constitution and ready to do our utmost to protect the nation during crises, around the clock.