Excitement echoed through Prachasamakkee School in Thailand as up to 500 staff and students gathered to welcome aviators from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The September 10 visit marked the first time aviators from both nations had engaged with the local school community in Korat as part of Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025.

Aviators were met with cheers and chants, and members of both air forces were treated to performances by the students.

Squadron Leader Jasmine ‘Jazz’ Young, Deputy Detachment Commander for Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025, spoke to the children. 

“Exercise Thai Boomerang is an important activity to allow us to practise with our Thai friends to make sure we are ready to carry out our mission to keep both our countries and our people safe,” she said.

“Our squadron very much enjoys the opportunity to visit Thailand. It is a beautiful country, with even more beautiful people.”

The event included donations of sports equipment from both air forces, delighting the students. Future soccer players and volleyball champions were keen to challenge their air force visitors, with aviators joining friendly matches on the school’s sporting fields.

Despite the heat and humidity, the upbeat sounds of the RTAF Wing 1 Band echoed across the school grounds, as RAAF and RTAF members treated the children to lunch and ice cream.

Group Captain Nat Kamintra, RTAF Exercise Director for Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025, spoke on how the exercise was about much more than just integration and interoperability. 

“Today’s activities reflect the cooperation between the [Royal Thai] Air Force and Australia. It’s not just about security and military training, but also includes humanitarian and community development dimensions, which are at the heart of building understanding together,” Group Captain Kamintra said.

The community engagement activity was part of Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025 – the 15th iteration of the bilateral exercise between the RAAF and the RTAF.