Has the Royal Thai Army tasted the benefits? Sending personnel to sign a big order with China again: purchasing a large number of armored vehicles!

On January 11, 2026, led by high-ranking officials from the Royal Thai Army's Armaments Department, including Lieutenant General Natapon Kwan-in, the Chief of Ordnance, who personally flew to Beijing. They not only visited the headquarters of Norinco but also signed a new armored vehicle procurement agreement on the spot.

This is not the first cooperation, but rather an "additional order" following previous orders. According to information disclosed by the Thai government earlier, in the fiscal year 2025, Thailand had already allocated 29.1 million US dollars specifically for the purchase of VN1 type 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles. The one signed in Beijing obviously exceeded the original plan and was an "extra purchase."

Evidently, in the recent conflict with Cambodia, the VN1 series armored vehicles introduced from China performed excellently. These vehicles have good mobility, modular design, and certain fire support capabilities, making them especially suitable for the tropical jungle and hilly terrain of Southeast Asia.

According to analysis from various military observers, the VN1 has shown higher cost-effectiveness and stronger environmental adaptability compared to similar Western products in actual deployment - simple maintenance, universal spare parts, and less logistics pressure. For the Thai Army, which has limited budgets but urgent security needs, this is a highly attractive practical advantage.

The VN1 platform itself has the potential for upgrades - it can be equipped with anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, or even unmanned turrets. Subsequent orders may go beyond the basic troop transport model. If the Thai side continues to receive positive feedback during use, there is no doubt that it could include China as a long-term supplier of main land combat equipment.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854179603705033/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author.