Thailand (Kingdom of Siam): Korean War Campaign Service Medal. Bronze issue. With gilt 'Lightning Bolts' combat emblem, and integral white metal top bar

The riband fitted with a gilt 'Lightning' bolts emblem that denotes the recipient experienced combat operations (came under fire) during the Korean War

Complete with integral top brooch bar with pin to reverse, and the medal retaining its original silk riband

The medal was awarded to the Armed Forces personnel from Thailand who served during the Vietnam War from circa 1964-1973

The Kingdom of Thailand was one of the 21 countries who responded to the United Nations request to send troops to aid South Korea during the Korean War 1950-1953. As well as being one of the first countries to openly express its support for South Korea's cause, whilst also being one of the UN's larger contributors to the war. Thai support was important to battles determining the outcome of the war, including Pork Chop Hill and the Third Battle of Seoul

In July 1950, Thailand was the first Asian nation to respond to the US call for allies in Korea. Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram told parliament that, "by sending just a small number of troops as a token of our friendship, we will get various things in return." The first Thai troops to serve in Korea (September 1950) were the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 21st Regimental Combat Team (later renamed the 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen's Guard), together with several warships of the Royal Thai Navy. Later in the conflict, several Royal Thai Air Force transport aircraft were deployed in the theatre of operations and air logistics lines of communication

The South Korean's awarded units of the Thai Contingent, 3 x Presidential Unit Citations. In addition, a number of United States military decorations were awarded to Thai personnel - mostly in respect of acts of gallantry displayed at the battles of Pork Chop Hill and during the Third Battle of Seoul - including:

- Legion of Merit: 1 x
- Silver Star: 12 x
- Bronze Star Medal: 26 x

During the course of the Korean War, it is estimated that Thailand sent, 11,786 soldiers to Korea. It is recorded that 129 Thai soldiers lost their lives in the war, 1,139 were wounded, and five were missing in action (MIA).In 1974, the Government of the Republic of Korea built a monument, and a Thai pavilion in Pocheon City, to honour the Thai soldiers who took part in the Korean War. On 4 November 2008, the Thai Embassy in Seoul, with the cooperation from the Office of Defense Attache, hosted the opening ceremony of the Thai memorial at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) to commemorate the sacrifices made by Thai soldiers during the Korean War. Thailand still maintains (as of 2020), one liaison officer at the Armistice Committee site and six soldiers as members of the United Nations Command Honor Guard Company in Seoul

Scarcer contemporary medal in bronze (most commonly seen in white metal, or infrequently in gilt metal)

Condition: GVF

Code: 22289