The Royal Thai Army has proposed buying wheeled armoured vehicles, M777 155mm howitzers and HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, alongside creating a specialist drone warfare unit.
The plans were presented to Defence Minister Adul Boonthamcharoen during his visit to Army headquarters on Monday, 24 August, where senior officers briefed him on missions, operational difficulties and proposals to improve readiness.
Maj Gen Wintai Suvaree, the Army spokesman, said the force wanted to update equipment, systems and regulations in response to changing forms of threat. It also intends to modernise its intelligence capabilities through closer cooperation with foreign countries.
Army proposes drone warfare centre
A key proposal is to reorganise units responsible for aerial operations. The Army has suggested establishing an Unmanned Aerial Warfare Centre or an unmanned aircraft battalion to support its missions.
The procurement list also includes wheeled armoured vehicles and supporting firepower, in addition to the US-made M777 artillery systems and HIMARS rocket launchers. The requests have been submitted to the defence minister for consideration.
The Army has also asked for additional budget funding for capability improvements, infrastructure and personnel.
Official updates urged on security issues
Adul said conventional frontline operations remained important, but added that information warfare at home and abroad was becoming a growing challenge.
He called for military communications to be coordinated through a single official source, drawing on the Joint Information Center, or JIC, model used for updates on the Thailand-Cambodia situation.
According to the minister, the aim is to give the public continuous and reliable information while limiting the effect of misleading claims spread on social media. He also urged the Army to communicate more proactively and encourage people to follow official channels for security-related news.
Picture courtesy of Khaosod
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25 August 2026
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