Patriotism and service to country are values shared by Thais and Americans alike. Two cadets from Thailand were among this year’s graduating class at the United States Military Academy at West Point, both graduated with distinction from the storied institution.

West Point has produced some of America’s greatest military leaders, including Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower, both of whom led the United States to victory in wartime and later served the country’s presidents. Its alumni also include Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon.

Thailand is the United States’ oldest ally in Asia. The two nations have fought side by side in conflicts and served together in international peacekeeping operations. This year, two Thai cadets further strengthen the alliance by joining the distinguished ranks of alumni from the academy in upstate New York.

According to NBT World, Thailand’s national broadcaster, Cadet Peerawat Chusak graduated with high distinction in military leadership. He completed the West Point Air Assault Course and earned the Norwegian Foot March Badge by completing an 18-mile rucksack march in less than 4.5 hours. Recognized for his linguistic proficiency, he was inducted into the Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society for excellence in Chinese and served as President of the International Cadets of West Point Club.

Cadet Nontayos Phacharaphongploen graduated with distinction and was named to the Dean’s List every academic semester, according to NBT World. His academic achievements earned him induction into both the Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics) and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computing and Information Disciplines) honor societies. He also earned the West Point Recondo Badge during rigorous summer combat training exercises, completed the Norwegian Foot March and served as Co-President of the International Cadets of West Point Club.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2026. The Thai Defense and Armed Forces Attaché presented tokens of appreciation to congratulate the two distinguished graduates who are alumni of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (Class 62) and the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Class 73).