After the successful US invasion of Iraq , Thailand contributed 423 non-combat troops in August 2003 to nation building and medical assistance in post-Saddam Iraq . Troops of the Royal Thai Army were attacked in the 2003 Karbala bombings , which killed two soldiers and wounded five others . However , the Thai mission in Iraq was considered an overall success , and Thailand withdrew its forces in August 2004 . The mission is considered the main reason the United States decided to designate Thailand as a major non-NATO ally in 2003
2003 Karbala bombings
2003 Karbala bombings
9th Infantry Division (Thailand)