Created in 1309 B.E., the Royal Thai Armed Forces came into existence as a permanent force at the behest of King Mongkut, who needed a European trained military force to thwart any Western threat and any attempts at colonization. By B.E. 1344 , during the next reign of King Chulalongkorn, a permanent military command in the Kalahom Department was established. However, since 1389 B.E. when the military, with the help of civilians overthrew the system, the military has dominated and been in control of Thai politics. Although the king of Thailand is the supreme head of the Thai armed forces his position is only nominal. The ministry and the forces are administered by an appointed politician, the Minister of defence, a member of the Cabinet of Thailand.