Who Is “Big Dul”? Meet Thailand’s New Defence Chief
Who Is “Big Dul”? Meet Thailand’s New Defence Chief
BANGKOK, April 1, 2026 — Who is Thailand’s new defence minister? The appointment of Adul Boonthamcharoen has drawn attention due to his long military career and deep involvement in Thailand’s northeastern border operations, including areas along the Cambodia–Thailand frontier.
Adul, a former commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, was officially appointed as defence minister under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to a royal decree published on March 31.
Widely known by his nickname “Big Dul” and sometimes described in Thai media as a “warrior of the northeast,” the 61-year-old has built a reputation through decades of service in key military units responsible for border security.
Born on June 2, 1964, in Buriram province, Adul graduated from Thailand’s Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (Class 26) and the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Class 37). He later attended the National Defence College, where he was a contemporary of Prime Minister Anutin.
Adul began his military career in Thailand’s northeastern region, where he rose through the ranks in frontline units. One of his most prominent early roles was as commander of the 26th Infantry Regiment, a key unit tasked with safeguarding the Thai-Cambodian border.
During the 2008–2011 Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, he served as commander of the 234th Infantry Battalion and later as deputy commander of the 23rd Infantry Regiment. He played a role in operations around strategic areas including the Preah Vihear and Ta Krabei–Ta Muen Thom temple zones, gaining recognition for his operational and intelligence capabilities.
Adul later held a series of senior commands, including leading the 23rd Infantry Regiment, the 6th Infantry Division, and the Suranaree Task Force — a major formation responsible for security across Thailand’s northeastern border. He subsequently became deputy commander and then commander of the 2nd Army Region in 2023, overseeing military operations across 20 provinces.
His leadership has focused on counter-narcotics operations along the Mekong River, strengthening ties with neighboring countries, and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Before his latest promotion, Adul served as deputy defence minister in the previous cabinet. His elevation to defence minister signals continuity in Thailand’s security leadership, particularly on border and regional security issues.
