Although intended as a garrison force to maintain public order and to cover police duties in Japanese-occupied portions of northern China, due to the deteriorating situation in the Second Sino-Japanese War it was quickly reassigned to front-line combat duties under control of the 1st army, especially against the Chinese communist Eighth Route Army in Shanxi Province.

The 37th Division was reassigned to the Japanese 12th Army on 31 March 1944 and was involved in Operation Ichi-go.

The 37th Division survived World War II largely intact, and with a distinguished service record due to its discipline and strong leadership of its officer corps.

Its former base at Nakhon Nayok Province was transformed into the Royal Thai Army Academy.

The troops of the 37th division have sailed from Bangkok 4–28 May 1946, to be landed in Sasebo, Nagasaki 19 May 1946 and Uraga, Kanagawa 18 June 1946.