No, they are not in the army

One day this week, my friend, Om, went proudly off to work in his uniform.  His task for the day was to join his work colleagues in the Thai government to welcome a member of the royal family back home.  This is part of the local protocol for every returning royal - welcome them home with a party of Thai civil servants in their uniform waiting at the airport to greet them. 

They do this task happily and proudly.  They look very smart in their uniform.  No, they are not in the army.  They are Thai civil servants and this is their uniform. 

Their great king of over 100 years ago, Rama V, instituted a miltary style uniform for ones working for the government.  In part, this was to help create an identity, to build up an "esprit de corps".  A smart uniform helps give them pride in what they do.  This is all very commendable.  It also clearly says who they are and where they stand in Thai society.  Even if they don't get paid much, their uniform gives them a status.  And that is important in a status driven society.