Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School

Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School
โรงเรียนเตรียมทหาร
Type Military Academy
Established 27 January 1958
Location Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Website www.afaps.ac.th
Warship museum at Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Thailand

The Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School or AFAPS (Thai: โรงเรียนเตรียมทหาร abbreviated รร.ตท.) is a Thai military academy, providing an education equivalent to the last three years of senior high school (years 10-12). Located in Nakohn Nayok province, it is the flagship institution under the command of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters. The curriculum consists of rigorous academics, military training, and intensive physical activities. With a considerable rate of dropping out, Pre-Cadets who manage to graduate automatically enter the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Royal Thai Naval Academy, the Royal Thai Air Force Academy, and the Royal Thai Police Academy. The significantly high amount of funding to AFAPS reflects a range of Pre-Cadets academic and character development. Admission into AFAPS is highly selective. The combined number of applicants per year is more than 70000, of which a little more than 600 are accepted, making the overall acceptance rate less than 1 percent. Graduation from the academy is widely considered to be the one greatest achievement for male Thai students. AFAPS is one of the largest secondary schools in Thailand. With more than 600 Pre-Cadets per class year, the academy’s combined Pre-Cadets number is around 2000. The Pre-Cadet Regiment represents all 77 provinces of Thailand. Aside from Buddhist traditions, the academy also supports traditions and ceremonies of Muslim and Christian Pre-Cadets.

History

The Thai Ministry of Defense established the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School on 27 January 1958 by consolidating the preparatory schools of the Royal Thai Army, Navy, and Air Force. It was formerly next to Lumphini Park in Bangkok, (the current site of the Suan Lum Night Bazaar)

In 2000, the academy was moved to a new location of in Nakhon Nayok province. The new academy situated in a 4 square kilometer clearing between the curve of the mountain and has a lake at the main entrance.

Academics

AFAPS provides a rigorous academic program, with a focus on science, mathematics, and path to engineering. Pre-Cadets study academics for four days a week in academic buildings from 8.00 am to 16.00 pm. On designated training day, study time is divided in half. In the morning, a wide range of sport and health education classes (i.e. rugby, track and field, fencing, paramedic swimming, etc) are offered. In the afternoon, Pre-Cadets study military science and strategies, including military structure, field survival, and weapon training.

AFAPS provides courses in English, Chinese, mathematics (through algebra and calculus), history and social science, laboratory science, art, music, and religious studies. Pre-Cadets may also choose to join clubs program such as marching band, exhibition drill, mechatronics, poetry, and sports.

Evening classes are offered to students in Olympiad programs and as optional extra learning opportunities.

GPA is measured in 4.0 system. Pre-Cadets are ranked academically.

Sports

Marathon running

Pre-Cadets have to run around 5 kilometers each morning and more than 10 kilometers each afternoon. AFAPS extensively support Pre-Cadets to compete in marathon events, with many Pre-Cadets receiving awards each year. In-school 10 kilometers mini-marathon events is hosted every month. Pre-Cadets receive shoes specially made for long-distance running every year.

Swimming

AFAPS has two indoor swimming pool, 50 meter and 25 meter long. Pre-Cadets are trained to swim long distances and paramedic swimming. One of the tests is an over 4 kilometer swimming from a pier to an island which every Pre-Cadets have to pass to graduate. AFAPS hosts one of the biggest annual swimming competitions in Thailand. The academy support Pre-Cadets to compete outside the school. It also provides Pre-Cadets with professional swimsuits and goggles.

Research

AFAPS is the only secondary school in Thailand to support military research. The policy allows personnel and Pre-Cadets to research in a wide range of military subjects, such as military technology, physical training, and military psychology.

The most famous and considered the main research program is military technology. The Mechatronic Club is largely responsible for this area of research. AFAPS works with both other military departments and private agencies on various local and national research projects to forge innovations in science and technology that can benefit the Thai military strength.

The Mechatronic club has a reputation of developing award-winning military robots that serve different purposes. In 2013, one of the projects done by Pre-Cadets was a research on the effectiveness of camouflage. This project is now waiting being researched by the armed forces. In 2014, AFAPS research team created a laser-guided shooting practice system and an automatic food crops system.

Pre-cadets

Precadet uniform.

The school accepts only male applicants. Entrance is highly competitive.

The school has a reputation of producing close lifelong bonds between pre-cadets of each class. Rivalries between class alumni are common, especially in the promotion process.

Prominent alumni

References

    External links

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    Coordinates: 14°18′14″N 101°7′57″E / 14.30389°N 101.13250°E / 14.30389; 101.13250

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