About this Unit
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, has played a significant role in regional military history. During the Vietnam War, it was a key United States Air Force (USAF) installation, hosting units such as the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing and serving as a base for F-105 Thunderchief and F-4 Phantom II combat operations over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The base supported a wide range of missions, including interdiction, close air support, and air defense suppression. After the end of major U.S. operations in Southeast Asia, Korat was returned to the Royal Thai Air Force and continues to serve as an important Thai military installation today.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand, and was a key United States Air Force (USAF) base during the Vietnam War due to its proximity to Indochina.
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Vietnam War Role: The base served as a major hub for air operations, hosting numerous USAF tactical fighter wings and playing a critical role in bombing missions over North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
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Operation Rolling Thunder: Aircraft from Korat participated in Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam from 1965 to 1968.
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Home of the "Wild Weasels": Korat was home to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, which operated F-105 Thunderchiefs and specialized "Wild Weasel" missions—dangerous flights to suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD).
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First Combat Use of F-105G: The base saw the first combat use of the F-105G "Wild Weasel" aircraft in 1970, equipped to locate and destroy enemy surface-to-air missile sites.
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Secret Missions: Korat was a launching point for covert missions, such as "Operation Commando Hunt," targeting the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the main supply route for North Vietnamese forces.
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Home to Multiple Units: Besides USAF units, the base hosted Royal Thai Air Force squadrons, and sometimes US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft on temporary duty.
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Agent Orange Storage: The base was among several in Thailand where Agent Orange herbicide was stored and reportedly used during the Vietnam War, leading to ongoing veterans' health concerns.
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Closure and Return: Following the US withdrawal from Southeast Asia, Korat Air Base was returned to Thai control in 1976, marking the end of a significant era of American military presence.
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Present Day Operations: Today, Korat remains an active Royal Thai Air Force base, hosting regular exercises with US and allied forces, including the annual "Cobra Gold" joint military exercise.
