According to Deputy CIA Station Chief in Vientaine, James R. Lilley, the Thai pilots,with better education and extensive flying experience, made much better pilots than the Laotians. Furthermore, perhaps because their tasks in Laos were much more challenging than dull training in Thailand, ‘they were enthusiastic in having military intervention in Laos’.55 Ambassador Martin, with Air Attache´ Roland McCoskrie, then approached RTAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Force Chief Marshal Bunchoo Chandrubeksa, and made a request for Thai pilots.56 The Thais warmly welcomed the American request. The first group of Thai pilots to be despatched to Laos received special training in March 1964, and were ready to fly to Laos by May. These Thai pilots were named ‘Firefly’.5