Volunteer Defense Corps (Thailand)
| Volunteer Defense Corps | |
|---|---|
| กองอาสารักษาดินแดน | |
Emblem of the Volunteer Defense Corps | |
| Founded | 10 February 1954 |
| Country | Thailand |
| Type | Paramilitary |
| Role | Close-quarters combat Counterinsurgency Crowd control Executive protection Force protection Humanitarian aid HUMINT Internal security Jungle warfare Law enforcement Patrolling Psychological warfare Raiding Reconnaissance Tactical emergency medical services Urban warfare |
| Part of | Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior |
| Garrison/HQ | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Engagements | Communist insurgency in Thailand South Thailand Insurgency |
| Commanders | |
| Minister of Interior | VDC General Anutin Charnvirakul |
The Volunteer Defense Corps (Thai: กองอาสารักษาดินแดน; abbreviated VDC) is a paramilitary under the authority of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Ministry of Interior. It was founded in 1954 to provide extra military support to the Royal Thai Armed Forces and to protect local civilians living near Thailand's borders.