Unleashing the Thai Military’s Joint Operations Capabilities through an Integrated Communications Nexus
Main Article Content
Abstract
By studying examples of joint forces communication system development from leading military nations, and conducting a Gap Analysis comparing them with the current state of the Thai military, several gaps were identified that require improvement. These include integrating networks across forces, aligning system structures with command levels, enhancing system flexibility and recoverability, leveraging modern technologies, and increasing interoperability with other agencies. A SWOT analysis highlighted the strengths of the Thai military, such as existing infrastructure and experienced personnel, but also weaknesses like the lack of integration across forces and budget constraints. Additionally, opportunities arise from technological advancements and international cooperation, though threats from cyber threats and regulatory limitations exist. The Gap Analysis and SWOT findings led to recommendations for development across multiple dimensions, spanning technology and standards, personnel training, command structures, and procurement budgets. Simultaneously, addressing key challenges such as fostering inter-force collaboration, maintaining cybersecurity, managing change, and mitigating risks is crucial for successful implementation and enhancing the Thai military’s capability in executing security missions effectively.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The articles, images, tables, graphs, written content, and opinions published in this journal are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Defence Studies Institute or its academic affiliates.
References
เนรมิตร อัชฌอภินันท์. (2561). การพัฒนาซอฟต์แวร์ตรวจสอบประวัติข้าราชการบนอุปกรณ์สื่อสารเคลื่อนที่ขอนที่ของกองบัญชาการกองทัพไทย (ระบบปฏิบัติการแอนดรอยด์) (วิทยานิพนธ์มหาบัณฑิต สาขาเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศ]. คลังทรัพยากรสารสนเทศดิจิทัล มหาวิทยาลัยรังสิต. https://rsuir-library.rsu.ac.th/bitstream/123456789/891/1/Neramit%20Archaapinun.pdf
สุทัศน์ คร่ำในเมือง และ มนวดี ตั้งตรงหฤทัย. (2559). การพัฒนาแนวทางการสื่อสารทางยุทธศาสตร์ (Strategic Communication: STRATCOM) ของกองบัญชาการกองทัพไทย. วารสารสถาบันวิชาการป้องกันประเทศ. 7(2), 62-74.
สุทัศน์ จารุมณี. (2561). การฝึกทักษะเพื่อปรับเปลี่ยนและพลิกแพลงเพื่อเอาชนะ (พิมพ์ครั้งที่ 2). ศูนย์พัฒนาหลักนิยมและยุทธศาสตร์ กรมยุทธศึกษาทหารบก.
อนันต์ ชูยิ่งสกุลทิพย์.(2561). ระบบการพัฒนาสมรรถนะด้านเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสารเพื่อความมั่นคงปลอดภัยของสารสนเทศ [ปริญญานิพนธ์ปริญญาดุษฎีบัณฑิต]. คลังปัญญา มหาวิทยาลัยบูรพา. https://buuir.buu.ac.th/xmlui/handle/1234567890/8714
Anca, S., Diana, M., Dan, M, & Alina, P.(2016). Tactical Data Link - from Link 1 to Link 22. Scientific Bulletin "Mirceacel Batran" Naval Academy, Constanta. 19(2). 346.
Arifin, M. S., Widyotriatmo, A, Sumari, A D. W, & Juloastuti, E. (2018). Opinion Formation Decision-Making Process in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. In 2018, the 5th Asion Conference on Defense Technology (ACDT). pp. 90-95. IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACDT.2018.8592979
Ashour, O., St-Hilaire, M., Kunz, T.(2018). Multicasting in Tactical Networks: Forwarding Versus Network Coding. In Proceedings of the 15th International Joint Conference on e-Business and Telecommunications. pp. 42-51. https://doi.org/10.5220/0006907902080217
Chang, Z., Piurkowsky, S., Huang, S., & Kischbaum, M. (2021). Applications of triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS, or ICP-MS QQQ) in economic geology. In Proceeding Article published 2021 in Goldschmidt 2021 abstracts. Goldschmidt https://doi.org/10.7185/gold2021.8289
Chen, X., Feng, Z., Wei, Yuan, X., & Zhang, P. (2023). Multiple-Signal Classification-Based Joint Communication and Sensing System. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 22(10), 6504-6517, https://doi.org/10.1109/TWC.2023.3244195
Cossart, B. (2021). Transformation of military technology in Portugal. In H. Carvalhal, A. Murteira, & R. Lee de Jesus (Eds.). The First World Empire: Portugal, War and Military Revolution. Routledge.
Coticchia, F., Dian, M., & Moro, N. (2023). Reluctant Remilitarisation: Transforming the Armed Forces in Germany, Italy and Japan After the Cold War. Edinburgh University Press. https://doi.org/10.3366/edinburgh/9781474467278.003.0003
Dan-lya, B. I, & Ozgur, C.(2022). Efficiency vs Inefficiency in Operations Management: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) vs. the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in Southeast Asia?. In Conference: Efficiencies and Inefficiencies in Operations Management Resiliency.
Fathurrahmad, F., & Yusuf, S. (2019). Implementasi Jaringan VPN dengan Routing Protocol terhadap Jaringan Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). Jumal JTIK (Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikosi), 3(1), 29-33. https://doi.org/10.35870/jtik.v3i1.83
Feng, Z., Wei, Z., Chen, X., Yang, H., Zhang, Q., & Zhang, P. (2021). Joint Communication, Sensing, and Computation-Enabled 6G Intelligent Machine System. /EEE Network, 35(6), 34-42. https://doi.org/10.1109/MNET.121.2100320
Ferreyra, M., & Soeters, J. (2024). Multinational Military Cooperation in the Global South. Armed Forces & Society, 50(1), 25-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X221114928
Ferris, J.(2019).Netcentric warfare, C4ISR and information operations Towards a revolution in military intelligence? (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Hughes, M. (2018). Resistance and organizational change readiness. Routledge.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2018). 2018 IEEE 7th International Conference on Photonics (ICP). IEEE. . https://doi.org/10.1109/ICP41633.2018
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2023). 2023 Seminar on Information Computing and Processing (ICP). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICP60417.2023
Killcross, M. (2021). 18-Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In Chemical and Process Plant Commissioning Handbook (pp.155-164). Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-824049-6.00007-X
Li, H. Y. (2015), Design and management of intelligent transportation integrated command platform. In. Information, Computer and Application Engineering: CRC Press.
Medhi, D., & Ramasamy, K (2018). Chapter 22 - Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). In Network Routing (pp. 734-764). Morgan Kaufmann. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800737-2.00026-0
Nelson, S. (2011). Pro Data Backup and Recovery. Apress.
Okten, T. (2022). The Transformation of the Turkish Armed Forces. Routledge.
Packer, J, & Reeves, J. (2020). 5. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (DoD). In Kiler Apps: War, Media, Mochine (pp. 109-123). Duke University Press.https://doi.org/10.1515/9781478007272-008
Siegel, C. A., & Sweeney, M. (2020). The 6 STEPs in Developing and Maintaining a Cybersecurity and Cyber Resiliency Strategy. Auerbach Publications.
Start, A., & McMilian, G. (2013). The critical role of tactical Satcom in deployed operations. In IET Seminar on Military Satellite Communications 2013 (Milsatcoms 2013), IET. https://doi.org/10.1049/ic.2013.0105
Upadhyay, D., Mohd, N, Twari, P., & Singh, A (2022). Methodology for SNR Improvement on SatCom. Network From orbiting Satellites. In Proceding of the 2022 OPJU International Technology Conference on Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development (OTCON). pp. 1-6. IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/otcon56053.2023.10113993
Wang, J., Richards, T., & Narula-Tam, A. (2023). Application of recent reliable transport layer advance- ments to DoD SATCOM network challenges. In 2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference. pp 1-7. IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/aero55745.2023.10115799
Wang, W. (2023). Leverage effect in options trading risk management strategy research. Financial Engineering and Risk Management, 6(10), 87-91. https://dx.doi.org/10.23977/ferm.2023.061012
Wirnelius, M. E. (2007). The Future of Military Interventions in International Relations. In H. Edstrom & A. Wiss (Eds.). International Trends Analysis: Yearbook 2007 with an Introduction to the ART Model (pp.1117-138). Swedish Defence Research Agency. https://doi.org/10.21557/mth.82119910
Wood, P. S., Grant, C. C., Toit, P. J., & Fletcher, L.(2017). Effect of Mixed Basic Military Training on the Physical Fitness of Male and Female Soldiers. Military Medicine, 182(7), pp. e171-e1779. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-16-00218
Yang, X., Li, Y., Chen, L., Feng, W., & Yan, Z.(2020). TDL-Chain: An Intelligent Data Transmission Control System in Tactical Data Link Based on Blockchain. In Proceeding article in 2020 IEEE International Conference on Blockchain (Blockchain). pp. 305-312 https://doi.org/10.1109/Block-chain50366.2020.00045
Yilmaz, A. K., & Flouris, T. G. (2019). Enterprise Risk Management in Aviation Management and Strategy. In Values, Ergonomics and Risk Management in Aviation Business Strategy. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1006-9_4
Zhen, Z. (2020). Research on Army and Local Government Integrated Joint Command Information Plat-form. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 1607(1), Articel 012117. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1607/1/012117