The Anniversary of the Ministry of Defense in Thailand is observed every April 8, commemorating its establishment by the government on June 13, 1980, with the first celebration held in 1981. This day recognizes the Ministry's role in managing the Royal Thai Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, tasked with maintaining national security and territorial integrity. The origins of the Ministry trace back to the Department of Defense of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which evolved into the Ministry of Defense in 1887 under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to address the threats of European expansion. The Minister of Defense, currently General Prayut Chan-o-cha, oversees the Ministry and holds significant power, especially given the historical context of martial law in Thailand. The Ministry's budget exceeds 233.3 billion baht, accounting for 7% of the national budget, and it also generates income through various enterprises like racetracks and media outlets.