Under the current military regime, the armed forces have had a chance to increase their strength and capability through comprehensive exercises that aim to showcase their military might.
Each of the armed services has engaged in drills and exercises.
Despite the end of this year's Cobra Gold military exercise on Feb 19, which featured joint activities between US and Thai personnel, the armed forces have continued conducting drills.
Every military division of the army, under the orders of army chief Theerachai Nakwanich, has held a regular full-scale exercise to strengthen its capacity over the past month.
Gen Theerachai, secretary-general of the National Council for Peace and Order, has paid a visit to every division to inspect drills, which can include the costly use of live ammunition. However, the budget for the exercises has not been disclosed.
"We organise the drill like the way we fight. The drill is to ensure victory every time we go to war," said the army commander.
The biggest and most comprehensive exercises this year are the navy's, which began on Tuesday.
"It will be a historic event in which all the warships, helicopters and aircraft will be used," said Capt Bhanupan Sapprasert, director of the Exercise Division of the Naval Operation Department, referring to the four-month exercise expected to last through June 20.
This is the first time the carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, HTMS Taksin and HTMS Naresuan will set sail after their recent upgrades which now enable them to connect with Gripen fighter jets through a network-centric warfare system. These warships will take part in Exercise Guardian Sea with US Navy submarines in the Andaman Sea.
Designed as a full-scale activity, the drill will involve all combat units including marine, patrol and air officers, and up to 5,000 navy personnel.
The exercise will not only be a traditional war drill but also aims to strengthen the navy's role in tackling illegal fishing and human trafficking as well as improving participation in disaster relief missions.
The 2016 naval drill combines this year's action plan with that of next year's which aims to better prepare naval officers to handle crisis situations. It's likely that the navy will push for the annual drill to become bi-annual. This year's drill will focus on officer training through the Area Command concept.
The rise of fishery-related human trafficking makes it necessary for the navy to equip its officers with new skills while still addressing the navy's "core business" -- that is to protect national interests within Thai waters.
Navy chief Na Areenij said the navy attaches great importance to the drills, which will ensure efficiency in diverse naval missions.
Wassana Nanuam is a senior news reporter covering military affairs for the Bangkok Post.