Part of Royal Thai Air Force, they are based near Don Mueang International Airport and provide anti-hijacking capabilities, combat search and rescue, commando style raids, executive protection, forward air control, hostage rescue, irregular warfare, medical evacuation, providing security at air base or international airport, special operations mission, and tactical emergency medical services.

In this regard, The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) was aware of a plane being shot down in a combat area or behind enemy lines.

When the plane made it to Libya, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi stepped in to defuse the situation by negotiating with the terrorists to release the hostages.

However, this hijacking incident made the RTAF realize that special operation unit was needed to solve the situation.

In early 1988 a heliborne detachment rescued a Thai fighter pilot shot down along the border during hostilities with Laos.