On December 7, 1941, the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii prompted the United States to enter World War II. An hour and a half before that attack (on December 8 with the time zone difference), Japan invaded Thailand in a 5 hour battle at Ao Manao beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The Royal Thai Air Force, 5th Wing has an annual commemoration of the bravery. and the heroes who fought during this battle including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes Monument and a merit-making ceremony dedicated to commemorate the 42 people who lost their lives during the Japanese invasion.
In June this year Thai airman Choy Lodethanong died at the age of 102. Choy was last member of the Royal Thai Air Force Wing 5 who fought against Japanese invaders and a decorated serviceman in the brief conflict between Japanese troops and Thailand airmen, local police and civilians who fought to stop the Japanese invasion on the shores at Ao Manao.
Important highlights activities of this year are the Royal Thai Army Triathlon as the Heros Run 2021. The event is set to include the country’s top triathletes, with celebrities and over 100 people other competitors.
Other events include a model aircraft competition and a photographic exhibition of battle.
There are plans to upgrade triathlon facilities at Wing 5 to international standards and to arrange international triathlon competitions in the future.
There will be a live broadcast from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thai PBS television channels.
