Picture courtesy of China Defence

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has secured a significant deal to boost its military strength by acquiring VN1 wheeled armoured vehicles from China. The acquisition agreement, valued at 1 billion baht, is set for the 2025 fiscal year's defence budget. This move underscores Thailand's strategic focus on enhancing its combat capabilities.

Lt Gen Natthaporn Khwan-yam, head of the Army Ordnance Department, conducted talks with Liu Jinkui, senior vice-president of China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). The discussions culminated in a signing ceremony at Norinco’s headquarters in Beijing, solidifying cooperation between the Thai and Chinese governments. Representing Thailand, Lt Gen Natthaporn signed the agreement alongside Zhang Xin, Norinco's chief representative in Thailand.

The contract finalises the acquisition of VN-1-8×8 armoured personnel carriers to complete the army’s current procurement programme. This purchase aligns with the RTA's ongoing modernisation efforts, and it is not a response to any immediate incidents. However, it comes amid a renewed focus on fortifying border security, especially along the Thai–Cambodian boundary.

The RTA characterises the move as part of its broader strategy to modernise its military forces rather than as a response to rising regional tensions. Experts believe that this procurement will significantly enhance mobility and protection for Thai troops, particularly in border operations.

According to future projections, the deal will improve military ties between Thailand and China and may pave the way for additional cooperation. The acquisition marks a crucial step in Thailand’s defence policy, which focusses on strategic partnerships and advanced weapon systems, according to The Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• The Royal Thai Army signed a 1 billion Thai baht deal for VN1 vehicles.

• The purchase focuses on long-term modernisation, not current tensions.

• The deal strengthens Thai–Chinese defence cooperation.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-15

 

 

Interesting, chinese armour has been a joke for many years but I suppose the special envelopes were impossible to pass up for the thai side