Naresuan 261 Counter-Terrorism Unit
| Naraesuan 261 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1 February 1983- |
| Country |
 Thailand
|
| Branch | Royal Thai Police |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Hostage rescue Counter terrorism |
Naraesuan 261 (Thai: นเรศวร 261) is a special operations unit of The Royal Thai Police (RTP).
Special Operations Unit "Naraesuan 261" was set up in 1983, Buddhist year 2526, by a Thai cabinet resolution. The resolution, dated 1 February 2526 (1983), was a major policy decision designed to provide a force for counter-terrorism efforts. It was named in honor of King Naresuan the Great.
The Royal Thai Police were given orders to set up training for a special division to accomplish these goals. The unit was founded in 1984, Buddhist year 2527, and placed under the control and responsibility of the Thai Border Patrol Police's Aerial Reinforcement Unit (PARU).
In late 1986, a royal decree, proclamation number 14, reorganized the Royal Thai Police and Naraesuan 261 was assigned as 4th company under the Border Patrol Police's Aerial Reinforcement Unit.
Naresuan 261 has responsibility for counter-terrorism and resulting criminal cases. The company also plays an important role as executive protection for the king, the queen, and other members of the royal family when they travel. They also train female operatives as executive escorts for Princess Siridhorn when she visits Border Patrol Police schools around Thailand. The company acts as escorts for foreign dignitaries and heads of state visiting Thailand.
The 4th Company, Border Patrol Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit, consists of a raid platoon, ambush and patrol platoon, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) platoon, training platoon, and supporting platoon.
Initial training was performed by members of the Royal Thai Police Department. Teams are divided up into units of five persons following the model set by Germany's GSG-9. Teams are trained in military tactics, sniping, waterborne operations, martial arts, and operation of a variety of vehicles.
After initial training, groups pass on their experiences to other members of the company. The company will also assign members to train in foreign countries and bring the knowledge back to Thailand to further help train the company. Standard training is broken up into five parts:
1. International counter-terrorism training consisting of 24 weeks of training for new police privates.
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