JULY 14 marks the 28th anniversary of the Kingdom’s Military Police, which was formed in 1993 from 100 soldiers and has grown into a force of more than 10,000 members.

This year, the Covid-19 pandemic forced a change of routine to mark the occasion.

In a message addressing the gendarmerie’s commanders, deputies and officers, General Commander Sao Sokha said the commemoration coincided with the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19, which continues to plague the region and the world with its new highly infectious variants emerging.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the commanders, chief of staff, deputy chief of staff and all the officers who have worked together to fight for the nation and sacrifice everything with your strong will, courage, loyalty and a high sense of responsibility for duty.”

Military Police spokesman Eng Hy told The Post on July 14 that in the 28 years since its establishment, the gendarmerie has achieved many important milestones, including the construction of a fort at its headquarters.

Hy said Military Police institutes and training centres had been built in the provinces, while buildings with the design of old structures were constructed at new locations.

“We have trained Military Police officers … educated forces about the relevant laws and regulations as the gendarmerie has the role to maintain security and public order,” Hy said.

In addition, the Military Police have also helped prevent crime and assisted people during disasters. Members of its force have been dispatched to other institutions such as customs, and forestry and fisheries to cooperate in preventing forestry crimes.