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Royal Thai Army
กองทัพบกไทย
(RTGS: Kongthap Bok Thai)
Emblem of the Royal Thai Army
Active1874
Country Thailand
AllegianceHM The King
TypeArmy
Size250,000 [1]
Part ofRoyal Thai Armed Forces
Garrison/HQBangkok
Motto(s)เพื่อชาติ ศาสน์ กษัตริย์ และประชาชน (For The Nation, Religions, King, and People)
ColorsRed
Marchมาร์ชกองทัพบก (Royal Thai Army March)
Anniversaries18 January
(Royal Thai Armed Forces Day)
EngagementsFranco-Siamese War
World War I
Franco-Thai War
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Cambodian–Thai border stand-off
2008–2010 Thai political crisis
Commanders
Commander-in-chiefPrayuth Chan-ocha
Notable
commanders		Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena
Plaek Pibulsonggram
Sarit Dhanarajata
Thanom Kittikachorn
Prem Tinsulanonda
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Suchinda Kraprayoon
Surayud Chulanont
Sonthi Boonyaratglin
Insignia
Royal Thai Army Flag
Unit Colour

The Royal Thai Army (Thai: กองทัพบกไทย) is the army of Thailand responsible for protecting its sovereignty. It is the oldest and largest branch of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The army was formed in 1874, partly as a response to new security threats following the Bowring Treaty with Britain, which opened up the country for international trade.

History

Main article: Military history of Thailand

Before Royal Thai Army

Main articles: Ram Khamhaeng, Naresuan, and Taksin the Great

The Tai territories during the Sukhothai period stretched far and wide in all directions, particularly during the reign of the renowned King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. Though a formidable warrior, the great king introduced the paternalistic system, maintaining a father-son relationship with his subjects and seeing to their problems and needs. In peacetime, soldiers became law-abiding citizens. In wartime, all able-bodied men.[2]

During the Ayutthaya period, improvements were made on military organizations with the introduction of more efficient enlistment systems and more effective fighting tactics. For the first time, the military and civilian affairs became two distinct entities, marking the birth of the military Personnel Department (“Pra Suraswadee”), tasked with armed forces registrations for a more efficient conscription in time of war. Eighteen-year-old able-bodied men were to report for military duty for a period of six months annually. In wartime, warlords were tasked with mobilizing men under their control to reinforce the armed forces. The king, supreme commander of the armed forces, would appoint members of the royal family and trusted noblemen as top generals and commanders of lower echelons in the chain of command. The “Pichai Songkram” manual, detailing military tactics and steps toward a decisive victory, was first published. The book comprises chapters on army organizations, force deployment, camp pitching techniques as well as other battlefield maneuvers.[3]

In 1767, King Taksin established Thon Buri as the new capital replacing the war-ravaged Ayutthaya in a move to restore Thai sovereignty following a victorious do-or-die battle for independence. The valiant king further developed different aspects of the Thai military, particularly launching a systematic registration for military service. While the long-standing conscription of able-bodied men for military service remained in place, the brief reign of the awe-inspiring king saw a precise documentation of all potential soldiers ready for mobilization, command and control in time of war. King Taksin was also intensely keen on arming his soldiers with modern weaponry like muskets and cannons, a large number of them being locally made. The astute king thus enhanced his soldiers’ patriotic commitment as well as their warfare capability.[4]

Origin

The Siamese Expeditionary Force in Paris, 1919.

The Royal Thai Army is the army of Thailand responsible for protecting its sovereignty. It is the oldest and largest branch of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The army was formed in 1874, partly as a response to new security threats following the Bowring Treaty with Britain, which opened up the country for international trade.[5]

Modern

The Royal Thai Army had participated in numerous of significant wars, for instance, contributing troops to European Continent as Allied Forces during World War I in 1918; combating as coalition forces during the Great East Asia War, Korean War and Vietnam War. In all these wars, the Thai troops have bravely demonstrated their efforts such that it promoted more recognition to Thailand’s reputations internationally.[6]

Current

At present, the primary role and mission of the Royal Thai Army is to defend the country against aggression by foreign ground forces, as stated in the National Constitution which reads “The State shall arrange for the maintenance of the armed forces for safeguarding its independence, security of the State and national interest…The Arm Forces shall be employed in a battle or a war, for the protection of the institution of kingship and the democratic regime of government with the King as the Head of State…and for national development”. As playing major roles in national defense, the Royal Thai Army has to maintain and develop its capabilities in all aspects namely; land forces preparation and Employment of forces for national development which will enable the Royal Thai Army to assure survival of sovereignty; to successfully assist government in country developments; and to promote democratic regime of government with the King as the Head of State; as well as, to support peace and stability in the region.[6]

Command and control

The Royal Thai Army is commanded by the Commander of the Royal Thai Army (ผู้บัญชาการทหารบกไทย); the current Commander is General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was confirmed by royal appointment to take over the top post effective 1 October 2010. The Royal Thai Army Headquarters is located in a building on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road in Bangkok, Thailand.

  • Commander-in-Chief: General Prayuth Chan-ocha
  • Deputy Commander-in-Chief: General Dapong Ratanasuwan
  • Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Sirichai Distakul
  • Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Jiradej Mokkhasmit
  • Chief of Staff of the Army: General Udomdej Sitabutr

A regiment (the 'Queen's Cobras') and later a division, then a brigade, served in South Vietnam from September 1967 to March 1972.[7]

List of Commanders

Main article: List of Commanders of the Royal Thai Army

Structure

Royal Thai Armed Forces M60A1 battle tanks get into a formation to maneuver toward_an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise at a training center in Ban Chan Krem, Thailand, Feb. 21, 2014.

For the order of battle during the Japanese occupation of Thailand, refer to the Phayap Army.

The Royal Thai Army today is divided into four Army Areas:

  • Third Army (Thailand) – headquartered in Phitsanulok, responsible for the northern and northwestern parts of the kingdom.
    • 4th Infantry Division
    • 7th infantry division
    • 1st Cavalry Division
    • 3rd development division.
  • Fourth Army – headquartered in Nakhon Si Thammarat, responsible for southern Thailand, engaged in the South Thailand insurgency. U.S. State Department cables leaked by Wikileaks in 2006 said: 'Military forces totaling approximately 35,000 troops fall under the command of the 4th Army.. ..the 5th Inf Div and the 15th Development Division (three regiments) totaling approximately 20,000 troops are the main units of the 4th Army.' (06BANGKOK3196)
    • 5th Infantry Division (Thailand) (five regiments – Wikileaks 06BANGKOK3196)
    • 15th Infantry Division (Thailand) (Camp Queen Suriyothai, Nong Kae Hua Hin. Prachuap Khiri Khan province)
    • 4th Development Division. U.S. State Department cables leaked by Wikileaks in 2006 said: 'The Development Division is itself a traditionally "static unit" that provides engineering, construction and other support to local communities in the South. It is not formally charged with security operations. Indeed, Development Division officers were very proud in stating that they have better relations with the locals than other security elements—and have not been attacked while engaged in construction or relief efforts.'[8]

The creation of the 15th Infantry Division (Thailand) was announced in January 2005.[9] Defence Minister General Samphan Boonyanan was quoted as saying that the new unit, dubbed the "Development Division", would not be a combat unit for fighting Islamic militants, but rather its main mission would be to assist local citizens and develop the region. The military will not ignore its general function of providing safety for the citizens of the region, he added. He said that troops for the new division would undergo training to give them a good understanding of local residents, the vast majority of whom are ethnic Malay Muslims. The division is in fact a transformation of the Pran Buri-based 16th Infantry Division. It will now be headquartered at Ingkhayuthaborihan Camp in Pattani, complete with its battalions and companies of military police and communications and aviation personnel, he said. It will also have three separate infantry battalions, one each in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Each battalion will include three companies of medical, engineering and psychological-warfare personnel, he said. The government will allocate a budget of more than 18bn baht for the division over the next four years.[10]

The International Crisis Group wrote in 2010 that '..The 15th Infantry Division is being established as a permanent force to handle security problems in the Deep South. The division is based in Pattani and is expected to have a combined force of around 10,000. The establishment of this new division, approved by the government in 2005, has yet to be completed. As of this writing, some 7,000 troops deployed in the Deep South are affiliated to this division.'[11]

Jane's Defence Weekly for 15 August 2012 said that two new combat formations had been approved by the previous Pheu Thai administration. The new 7th Infantry Division is based at Mae Rim, near Chiang Mai, and the new 3rd Cavalry Division is based at Khon Kaen.[12]

The Royal Guards (Thailand) form several separate regiments within these formations.

Tactical units

Thai and U.S. Army Soldiers practice tactical maneuvers during exercise Cobra Gold 2006 in Lop Buri.

The army is organized into the following formations:

  • 9 infantry divisions (including 16 tank battalions)
  • 1 armoured division
  • 3 cavalry division (a light armoured division)
  • 1 special forces division trained and geared for small unit special and airborne operations
  • 1 field artillery division
  • 1 air defense artillery division
  • 8 independent infantry battalions
  • 3 airmobile companies provided the ground force units with battlefield support

The Royal Thai Army also controls at least one television network, the Thai Global Network.

The Army Tactical Level Advanced Simulation (ATLAS) is an interactive, distributed, constructive simulation used to conduct military Command Post Exercises (CPX) within the RTA. ATLAS utilize a continuous terrain model, incorporates HLA 1516, and displays 1:250,000 1:50,000 and Satellite Imagery. ATLAS was developed between 2002 and 2005 through cooperation with RTA Command and General Staff College (CGSC).

Army Medical Department

Army Medical Department (กรมแพทย์ทหารบก) belongs to the service segment of the Royal Thai Army. It is responsible for medical affairs, providing medical services at its regular base or in the field, giving training to personnel in research and agriculture and supervising the medical divisions of different sectors of the Royal Thai Army. AMED observed 111 years of service in January 2011,[13] with 110 years of service having been honored by issue of a series of commemorative stamps.[14]

Air Division

Royal Thai Army : UH-60L Black hawk During air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base, Thailand.
Royal Thai Army : MI-17 V5 During air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base, Thailand.

Royal Thai Army Air Division (กองบินทหารบกไทย) belongs to the service segment of the Royal Thai Army Areas:

  • Don Mueang Airport (VTBD)
    • Units here include the VIP squadron, flying1 Embraer ERL-135LR serial number 1084/HS-AMP and serial number 1124, 2 Jetstream 41 (serial numbers 41060 and 41094), 2 Casa 212–300 (serial numbers 446 and 447) and 2 Beech 1900C-1 (serial numbers 0169 and 0170) and the 1st Infantry Battalion operating 2 Bell 206B (serial numbers 4422 and 4448), 3 Schweizer S-300C (serial numbers 1340,1366 and 1367) and 2 Cessna U-17B FAC aircraft (serial numbers 1616 and 1617).
  • Bang Khen (3 km south of Don Mueang)
    • The Royal Squadron flies 3 Bell 212 and 2 Bell 412 (serial numbers 36332 and 36333) from here. There is also a special transport unit flying around 10–12 Bell 212 and 1 or 2 Bell 206 based here.
Royal Thai Army : UH-60L Black hawk during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base, Thailand.
  • Camp Surasri
    • The 9th Infantry Battalion operates 2 Bell 206B (the serial number of 1 is 4424), and 2 or 3 Schweizer S-300C. There is also a detachment of UH-1H from an Air Mobility Company here.
  • Camp Jakapong (Prachin Buri)
    • The 2nd Infantry Battalion "The Queen's Guard" was operating 2 Bell 206B (serial numbers 4446 and 4361), 3 Schweizer S-300C (serial numbers 1343, 1344 and 1345) and 2 Maule MX-7 (one serial number known is 099) in 2004, however it is likely the Maule MX-7 may now not be operated by this unit now. A detachment of this unit (with in 1998 1 Bell 206 and 1 Maule MX-7) was operating from Watthana Nakhon (VTBW) near the Cambodian border.
Royal Thai Army : AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter during air show at Don Maung air force base, Thailand.
  • Phitsanulok Airport (VTPP)
    • Loc 16 degrees 46'58.58N,100 degrees 16'44.84E elevation 154 feet/47 meters.
    • Runway 14/32 length 9843 feetx148/3000x45 meters
    • Operating from here is the 4th Infantry Battalion with Bell 206B,Schweizer S-300C,Cessna U-17B and Maule MX-7.
  • Camp Suranaree (Khorat)
    • The main flying unit here is the 3rd Infantry Battalion flying 2 Bell 206B (serial numbers 4396 and 4447), 2 Schweizer S-300C (serial numbers 1337 and 1339) and 2 Cessna U-17B (serial numbers 1454 and 1618).
    • This field also hosts a detachment of up to 3 Bell 212 helicopters from one of the Air Mobility Companies.

Lop Buri, the main base complex of the Royal Thai Army Aviation, which includes training, technical school, aircraft maintenance and aircraft storage.

  • The main airfield here is called Sa Pran Nak (VTBH)
    • Loc 14 degrees 56'58.02N,100 degrees 38'34.88E elevation 95 feet/29 meters.
    • Runways 01/19 3300x98 feet/1006x30 meters and 06/24 3890x98 feet/1186/30 meters
    • Operating units here include
      • Gong Bin Bau – in English Light Aviation Company – operating Cessna U-17B, Cessna T-41 and Searcher MKII
      • Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Nung – in English Air Mobility Company 1 – operating Bell UH-1H and Bell 212
      • Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Song – in English Air Mobility Company 2 – operating Bell UH-1H (US Excess Defense Articles program)and Bell 212
      • Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Sam – in English Air mobility Company 3 – operating Bell UH-1H,Bell 206B,Bell AH-1F Huey Cobra(8) and Bell 212
      • Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Gou (pasom) – in English Air Mobility Company 9 (Mixed) – operating Bell UH-1H(US Excess Defense Articles program) and Sikorsky S-70-43 Black Hawk(6) with 6 more on order.
      • Gong Bin Sanub-sanoon Tua Pai – in English General Support Aviation Battalion – operating Boeing CH-47D Chinook, Bell UH-1H and Mil Mi-17V5
      • The army aviation centre is based here, which conducts conversion training for the army. Types operated are Cessna T-41B (ex US army surplus), Maule MX-7, Schweizar S-300C piston trainer helicopters.
      • The 2 former VIP Beechcraft 200 King Air airplanes, serial numbers 0342 and 1165 are also based here. Their present role is unknown. These airplanes were modified in the USA in the late nineties.

A separate airfield within the Lop Buri complex (only around 3 km south of Sa Pran Nak) houses the 5th aircraft maintenance Company. This unit is responsible for maintenance and storage of army aircraft and helicopters.

  • The 5th Infantry Division operates the following aviation assets from a small airfield within the army reserve at Nakhon si Thamarat (not at the airport),2 Bell 206B-3(serial numbers 4382 and 4427),3 Schweizer TH-300C(serial numbers 1371,1372 and 1373)and 2 Maule MX-7(serial numbers 114 and 115).A detachment of helicopters can be found here from the Air Mobility Companies based at Lop Buri.
  • The 6th Infantry battalion is based near Ubon Ratchatani.

Rank and insignia

Main article: Military ranks of the Thai armed forces

Equipment

See also: List of equipment of the Royal Thai Army

Infantry weapons

Small arms

Photo Model Type Caliber Origin Notes
Pistol
M1911 Semi-automatic pistol .45 ACP  United States
 Thailand		 Thai M1911A1 pistols produced under license. Locally known as the Type 86 pistol (ปพ.86).
Beretta 92 Semi-automatic pistol 9x19mm Parabellum  Italy
Heckler & Koch USP Semi-automatic pistol .45ACP  Germany Used by Special forces.
Submachine gun
Heckler & Koch MP5 Submachine gun 9x19mm Parabellum  Germany Used by Special forces.
UZI Submachine gun 9x19mm Parabellum  Israel Used by Military police.
Heckler & Koch UMP Submachine gun 9x19mm Parabellum  Germany UMP9 submachine guns used by Special force.
FN P90 Submachine gun 5.7x28mm  Belgium FN P90 submachine guns used by Special force.
Assault rifle
Heckler & Koch HK33 Assault rifle 5.56mm  Germany
 Thailand		 Thai license produced version of the Heckler & Koch HK33. Used by Royal Thai Armed Forces and Army Reserve Force Students.
Type 11 Assault rifle 5.56mm  Thailand The Type 11 (ปลย.11) is a bullpup assault rifle of Thai origin, manufactured by the Ministry of National Defence. The weapon is a derivative of the Heckler & Koch HK33 assault rifle.
IMI Tavor TAR-21 Assault rifle 5.56mm  Israel Standard infantry rifle.Replaced M16A1 order 106,203 tavor. Present 58,000+ tavor/X95 in service [15][16]
M16A1/A2/A4 Assault rifle 5.56mm  United States Standard infantry rifle. Aging M16A1 will be replaced by IMI Tavor TAR-21 and M16A4.
CAR-15 Assault rifle 5.56mm  United States
M4A1 Carbine Assault rifle 5.56mm  United States Used by Special forces, Some were equipped with SOPMOD kit.
Steyr AUG Assault rifle 5.56mm  Austria Used by Special forces.
Heckler & Koch G36 Assault rifle 5.56mm  Germany Used by Special forces.
SAR 21 Assault rifle 5.56mm  Singapore Used by Special forces.
IMI Galil Assault rifle 5.56mm  Israel Used in small numbers.
Type 56/56-1 Assault rifle 7.62×39mm  China Used in small numbers mainly by the Thahan Phran. Former Thai Communist rifle.
Semi-automatic rifle
M1 Garand Semi-automatic rifle .30-06  United States Locally known as the Type 88 self-loading rifle (ปลยบ.88). Used by Royal Guards and by Army Reserve Force Students as a non-firing training rifle.
M1/M2 Carbine Semi-automatic rifle .30  United States Locally known as the Type 87 carbine (ปสบ. 87) Used by Army Reserve Force Students as a non-firing training rifle.
Sniper rifle
M14 rifle Sniper rifle 7.62mm  United States
SIG-Sauer SSG 3000 Sniper rifle 7.62mm   Switzerland
SR-25 Sniper rifle 7.62mm  United States
Machine gun
Heckler & Koch HK21 Light machine gun 5.56mm  Germany
FN MINIMI Light machine gun 5.56mm  Belgium
IMI Negev Light machine gun 5.56mm  Israel Over 1,500 purchased. Delivery is ongoing.[17]
Type 56 LMG Light machine gun 7.62x39mm  China Used in small numbers mainly by the Thahan Phran. Former Thai Communist machine gun.
FN MAG-58 General purpose machine gun 7.62mm  Belgium
File:M60GPMG.jpeg
 M60 General purpose machine gun 7.62mm  United States
M2 Browning machine gun Heavy machine gun 12.7mm  United States Locally known as Type 93 machine gun (ปก.93). Use by infantry units and mobile vehicles and helicopter.
Type 54 HMG Heavy machine gun 12.7x108mm  China Mounted on Type 69 and Small number of V-150

Grenades, Rockets, and MANPADS

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
Grenade launcher
M203 Underbarrel grenade launcher  United States
Beretta GLX160 Underbarrel grenade launcher  Italy
M79 Single-shot grenade launcher  United States
BTS-203 Single-shot grenade launcher  Thailand
Mk 19 AGL Automatic grenade launcher  United States
Anti-Tank
Type 56 RPG Rocket-propelled grenade  China Used in small numbers mainly by the Thahan Phran. Former Thai Communist shoulder-fired missile .
Type 69 RPG Rocket-propelled grenade  China Used in small numbers mainly by the Thahan Phran. Former Thai Communist shoulder-fired missile .
Carl Gustav M3 recoilless rifle  Sweden
M40A2 Recoilless rifle  United States
M72A5 LAW Anti-tank rocket launcher  United States
M47 Dragon Anti-tank guided missile 500  United States
BGM-71 TOW Anti-tank guided missile  United States
Anti-Aircraft
HN-5A Man-portable air defense system 90  China [18]
9K38 Igla-S Man-portable air defense system 48  Russia Part of order placed in 2010.[18]

Vehicles

Armoured fighting vehicles

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
Tank
File:BM Oplot Front.jpg
 T-84 Oplot-M Main Battle Tank 5(+44)[19]  Ukraine Up to 200 may be acquired. First order of 49 tanks was placed in Sep 2011 although there are no official announcements from the Royal Thai Army. So far, the government has just approved 7.155 billion baht to purchase the first 49 T-84 Oplot main battle tanks to be assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Bn (Royal Guard at Fort Chakkraphongse, Prachinburi), the 4th Cavalry Bn (Royal Guard at Kiakkai, Bangkok), the 8th Cavalry Bn (Fort Suranari, Nakhon Ratchasima), and the 9th Cavalry Bn (Fort Ekathotsarot, Phitsanuloke).[citation needed] 5 to be delivered on 5 February 2014, 20 will deliver in July 2014.[20]
M60A1/A3 Patton Main battle tank 53 A1
125 A3		  United States Ex-US Army 53 M60A1 RISE Passive and 125 M60A3 TTS.
M48A5 Patton Main battle tank 105  United States
M41A3 Walker Bulldog Light tank 200  United States
File:Irish Scorpion Tank.JPG
 FV101 Scorpion CVR(T) Light tank 128  United Kingdom
Stingray light tank Light tank 106  United States
Armoured Vehicle
Type 85 Armoured personnel carrier 396  China Variants include: APC, ACV,SPM 120mm, SPM 81mm, SPRL. Six of them are fitted with Type 82 multiple rocket launcher.
M113A1/A2/A3 Armoured personnel carrier 500+  United States Overall there are 500+ M113 in different variants. 450+ of M113A1/A2/A3 are armored personnel carrier. 6 of M113A2 are fitted with TOW 1 anti-tank missile. 23 of them are M577 command vehicles. 10 of M113A3 are recovery vehicles. 9 M113A3s are ambulances.
M901A3 Armoured personnel carrier/Tank destroyer 18  United States
M106A1/A2 Armoured personnel carrier/Mortar carrier Unknown  United States Fitted with 107 mm M30 mortar and a 12.7 mm machine gun.
M125 Armoured personnel carrier/Mortar carrier Unknown  United States Fitted with 81 mm M29 mortar and a 12.7 mm machine gun.
BTR-3E1 Infantry fighting vehicle/Armoured personnel carrier 96(+121)  Ukraine 96 ordered in 2008. Deliveries was delayed due to changes in engine and transmission. Additional 6 given by the Ukrainian Government. Second order of 121 announced in Aug 2011.[citation needed] Third order of 21 announced in August 2013.[21]
V-150 Commando Armoured personnel carrier 113  United States Variants include: 27 of V-150 are armored personnel carrier. 29 of V-150 are 81mm. mortar carrier. 56 of V-150 are fitted with 90mm turret. and one V-150 are ambulances.
V-100 Commando Armoured personnel carrier 19+  United States
Humvee Light Armored Car/Light utility vehicle +1200  United States RTA use M998,M1038A1,M1097A1,M1037,M1042,M1025,M1026A1,M966,M997,M997A2.
REVA 4x4 MKII Infantry mobility vehicle 85  South Africa Mine-protected vehicle.
First Win 4x4 Infantry mobility vehicle 21(+50)  Thailand Mine-protected vehicle.

Support Vehicles

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
M992 Ammunition resupply vehicle 20  United States Use for resupplying the M109A5 howitzer.
Type 84 AVLB Armoured vehicle-launched bridge 4  China Base on the Type 69 MBT. 18m long mobile bridge.
M881A1/A2 Hercules Armored recovery vehicle 22  United States
Type 653 Armored recovery vehicle 16  China
M578 LRV Armored recovery vehicle Unknown  United States
FV106 Samson Armored recovery vehicle Unknown  United Kingdom
FV105 Sultan Armored command vehicle Unknown  United Kingdom
Bronco ATTC Amphibious armoured vehicle Unknown  Singapore Troop carrier variant. Used by Engineer.

Utility and logistics vehicles

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
Utility Vehicle
M50,M51 Chaiprakarn Military light utility vehicle +2200  Thailand
TR MUV4 light utility vehicle +3  Thailand
M151 light utility vehicle +550  United States RTA use M151A2,M718A1,M825.
Logistic Vehicle
M911 Heavy Logistic Vehicle N/A  United States
M813 Heavy Logistic Vehicle +500  United States RTA use M54,M54A2,M51A1,M51A2,M52,M52A1,M52A2,M246,M543,M543A2,M813,M813A1,M820A2,M817,M818,M816.
M35 2-1/2 ton cargo truck Medium Logistic Vehicle +2000  United States RTA use M35,M35A1,M35A2,M50A2,M50A3,M49A1,M49A2,M109A3,M185A1,M292A2,M275,M36A2.
Isuzu F-Series Medium,Heavy Logistic Vehicle +2000  Japan/ Thailand RTA use Isuzu FTS 800 4x4, FTS 33 H2E 4x4,
UNIMOG Medium Logistic Vehicle +1500  Germany RTA use U1100/L 4x4,U1550 4x4,U2450/L 6x6,U2405 6x6.
KrAZ Medium Logistic Vehicle +50  Ukraine [citation needed]
LMTV Light,Medium Logistic Vehicle +750  United States Thai Army have 4 series of LMTV are M1083,M1085,M1088 and M1089.

Artillery

Multiple rocket launchers,Surface to air missiles,Howitzers,Mortars

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
Multiple rocket launcher
WS-32 400 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 2  China
 Thailand		 Thai license produced version of the WS-32.
DTI-1G 400 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 0(+6)  Thailand The DTI-1G is a multiple rocket launcher of Thai origin. The weapon is a derivative of the WS-32.
WS-1B 302 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 9  China
 Thailand		 Thai license produced version of the WS-1B.
DTI-1 302 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 3  Thailand The DTI-1 is a multiple rocket launcher of Thai origin. The weapon is a derivative of the WS-1B.
HIMARS 227 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 0(+3)  United States
Type 82 130 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 6  China Mounted on Type 85 hulls.
SR4 122 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 4  China
Surface-to-air missile
SPADA Surface-to-air missile 8  Italy
Starstreak Surface-to-air missile 8  United Kingdom Ordered in 2012[22]
VL MICA Surface-to-air missile 0(+1)  France 1 order will deliver in 2016.[23]
HQ-9 Surface-to-air missile ??  China

Offers[24]

Howitzer
CAESAR 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer 6  France
ATMOS 2000 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer 0(+6)  Israel
 Thailand		 Thai ATMOS 2000 produced under license.[25]
M109A5 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer 20  United States
GHN-45 155 mm towed howitzer 92  Austria
Soltam M-71 155 mm towed howitzer 32  Israel undergoing Upgrade to Self-Propelled Howitzer
M198 155 mm towed howitzer 116  United States
M114 155 mm towed howitzer 20  United States total 56 in service. 20 active and 36 Decommission in 2013.replaced by M198 howitzer.
Type 59-1 130 mm towed howitzer 18  China in reserve.
M425 105 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer 0(+9)  Thailand
L119 105 mm towed howitzer 22  United Kingdom
 Thailand		 Thai L119 Light Gun produced under license.
LG1 Mk II 105 mm towed howitzer 24  France
M56 105 mm towed howitzer 12  Italy
M101A1 mod 105 mm towed howitzer 285  United States 285 guns Improve the Nexter LG1 caliber
M102 105 mm towed howitzer 12  United States in reserve.
M618A2 105 mm towed howitzer 32  Thailand in reserve.
M425 105 mm towed howitzer 12  Thailand in reserve.
Mortar
M132A1 mortar 120 mm mortar  Thailand
M221A2 mortar 81 mm mortar  Thailand
M1 mortar 81 mm mortar  United States
M29 mortar 81 mm mortar  United States
M2 mortar 60 mm mortar  United States
M19 mortar 60 mm mortar  United States
M121A1/A2 mortar 60 mm mortar  Thailand
M121A3 Commando mortar 60 mm mortar  Thailand

Anti-aircraft artillery

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
M42 Duster 40 mm Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 24  United States
M163 VADS 20 mm Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 24  United States
Type 59 57 mm towed anti-aircraft gun 24  China
Bofors L60/70 40 mm towed anti-aircraft gun 72 L60
86 L70		  Sweden
M167 VADS 20 mm towed anti-aircraft gun 24  United States
M55 Quadmount 4 M2HB machine guns 24  United States
M3 Half-track 4 M2HB machine guns 72  United States M16 MGMC Series

Radar Systems

Air search radars

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
Siemens DR-172 ADV Medium range air search radar 4  United States 1 system with 1 army area.
Lockheed Martins LAADS Mobile Short range air search radar 10  United States Use Supports M163 VADS,M167 VADS and Bofors L70.
Type 513  Short range air search radar 3  China Use Supports Type 59.

Artillery-locating radars

Photo Model Type Quantity Origin Notes
AN/TPQ-36(V)11 Firefinder radar 5  United States
ARTHUR Firefinder radar 0(+2)  Sweden 2 Ordered in 2013.

Aircraft

The Royal Thai Army is known to operate the following aircraft types:

Photo Model Origin Quantity Notes
Bell AH-1F Huey Cobra  United States 7[26] Serial numbers 9996, 9997, 9998. Serial number 9999 lost in 2001 crash. 4 more of the same model were ordered in 2005.[27] RTA also has another 3 AH-1F in storage for spare parts.[28]
Sikorsky UH-60L/M Blackhawk (S-70A-43)  United States 9 L
0(+7)M		 Serial numbers 6927, 6928, 6929, 7002, 7003, 7025, and 7026. 3 more UH-60Ls[29] and 3 more UH-60Ms[30] ordered Aug 2009 and Jul 2011, respectively. S-70A-43, serial number 6928 was lost in a crash on 17 Jul 2011. The government has also approved the purchase of 2 more UH-60Ms. 3 more S-70A (based on the UH-60L) arrived at the port of Laem Chabang on 8 Apr 2013. The serial numbers for these are 7220, 7221, and 7222. Acceptance and handover should be complete by 11 April
AgustaWestland AW139  Italy 2 Transport and Utility.[31]
Mil Mi-17-V5  Russia 3 (+2) 3 helicopters delivered by AN-124-100 RA-82078 to U-Tapao RTNS on 22 Feb 2011.A photo has appeared of Mi-17 serial number 6403 being offloaded from an AN-124. The serial numbers of the remaining two are 6401 and 6402.
Bell UH-1H Iroquois  United States 84[26] From US military aid during Vietnam War. Some were bought by RTA through Excess defense articles. Total delivered from 1968 to 2004: 174.[32] Less than 50% air-worthy. All operable UH-1Hs are used by 3 RTA airmobile companies.
Eurocopter Fennec AS550 C3  France 8[26]
Bell 206 Jet Ranger  United States 25[26] Both the Bell 206A and Bell 206B in use.
Bell 212  United States 52[26] Used by 1st Airmobile Co, 2nd Airmobile Co, 3rd Airmobile Co and Department of Army Transportation
Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota  United States 0(+6)[26] 6 on order.[33]
Boeing CH-47D Chinook  United States 6[26] [27]
Schweizer S-300C  United States 23[26] For training and observation
Enstrom 480B  United States 16[26] For training
Embraer ERJ-135LR  Brazil 2 Both aircraft delivered (serial numbers 0184/HS-AMP and 1124)
CASA C-212-300 Aviocar  Spain 2 Serial numbers 446 and 447 based with the VIP squadron at Don Mueang Airport. One of these airplanes is no longer in service.
British Aerospace Jetstream 41  United Kingdom 2 Serial numbers 41060 and 41094. Based with the VIP unit at Don Mueang Airport.
Beechcraft 1900C-1  United States 2 Serial numbers 0169 and 0170. Based with the VIP unit at Don Mueang Airport.
Beechcraft Super King Air 200  United States 2 serial numbers 0342 and 1165. based within the Lop Buri Army complex.
Cessna T-41 Mescalero  United States 22 Around 20–30 of these ex- US Army fixed-wing trainers still flying
Cessna U-17B Skywagon  United States 14 Around 15–20 of these Vietnam-era FAC aircraft still flying
Maule MX-7  United States 20 Around 15 still flying as liaison and trainer aircraft
IAI Searcher  Israel 7
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven  United States 12 (+120)

Future procurement

Main Army

  • T-84 Oplot-M – In March 2011, the Royal Thai Army placed an order for 49 T-84s to replace its fleet of aging M41A3 Walker Bulldog light tanks. Up to 200 tanks may eventually be acquired. However, the Royal Thai Army had yet to make an official announcement.[34][35]
  • New Missile system – The Royal Thai Army want Surface-to-surface missile and Surface-to-air missile with Royal Thai Army choose HIMARS and VL MICA.
  • New Self-propelled artillery – The Royal Thai Army purchase ATMOS 2000.

Army Aviation

  • UH-60 Black Hawk – On 6 August 2009, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Thailand of three Black Hawk helicopters and associated equipment and logistic support for an estimated cost of $150 million.[36]
  • VIP/Medivac aircraft – The Royal Thai Army signed a contract with Embraer to purchase an ERJ-135 for VIP transport use.[37] On 12 January 2009, Royal Thai Army signed a second contract to buy another aircraft with VIP and Medivac capability.[38]

Future development

Armoured vehicles
  • Black Widow Spider armored car – The Armored car type 8X8 by Defense Technology Institute and Preechathavorn Industry do joint venture.[39]
  • Phantom 380-X armored car – The Armored car type 4X4 by D-Corps Asia.[citation needed]
  • First Win-E - Armored car undergoing development from First Win's prototype by Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Company, to replace Humvee in future. RTA source said they are very interest in this version of First Win. [citation needed]
Artillery
  • DTI-1G - The 400 mm Guided Multiple rocket launcher by Defense Technology Institute. Based on DTI-1, will have a firing test in Andaman Sea and commission in 2014. Planned to guided by Beidou Navigation Satellite System.[40]
  • DTI-2 – The 122 mm Multiple rocket launcher by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
  • Under the 105 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
  • Under the 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
Missiles
  • DTI-2G – The Surface-to-air missile by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
  • Under the Cruise missile ground attack and anti-ship plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
  • Under the Man-portable air-defense systems plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
  • Under the Anti-tank guided missile plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
Army Aviation

Future equipment

Name Origin Type Service Notes
Black Widow Spider  Thailand Armored car
Phantom 380-X  Thailand Armored car
ATMOS 2000  Israel/ Thailand Self-propelled howitzer Thai ATMOS 2000 produced under license.
DTI-1G  Thailand Multiple rocket launcher 2016
DTI-2  Thailand Multiple rocket launcher 2016
VL MICA  France Multiple rocket launcher 2016
DTI-2G  Thailand Surface-to-air missile 2017
HIMARS  United States Multiple rocket launcher
UH-72 Lakota  United States Utility helicopter
UAV RD01  Thailand Unmanned aerial vehicle 2015
Black Kite UAV  Thailand/ Sweden Unmanned aerial vehicle Avia Satcom and Saab do joint venture.

Historical Equipment

Name Country of Origin Type Service Quantity Note
Infantry weapons
Steyr-Mannlicher M1888  Austria-Hungary Bolt-action rifle 1890-? ?
Type 45 Siamese Mauser[42]  Thailand Bolt-action rifle 1903-? ? Decided from Swedish Mauser and Gewehr 98.
Type 47 Siamese Mauser  Thailand Bolt-action rifle 1905-? ? Decided from Swedish Mauser and Gewehr 98.
Type 46 Siamese Mauser  Thailand Bolt-action rifle 1904-? ? Decided from Swedish Mauser and Gewehr 98.
Type 66 Siamese Mauser  Thailand Bolt-action rifle 1923-? ? Decided of the Arisaka.
Type 38 Arisaka  Japan Bolt-action rifle 1934-? ?
Type 99 Arisaka  Japan Bolt-action rifle 1940-? ?
Spring Field  United States Bolt-action rifle 1923-? ?
Lee Metfort Model 1888  United Kingdom Bolt-action rifle ? ?
Lee-Enfield Mark 3  United Kingdom Bolt-action rifle ? ?
Nambu pistol  Japan Semi-automatic pistol ?-? ?
Rung Paisarn RPS-001  Thailand Assault rifle 1986-? ?
MP 18  German Empire Submachine gun ?-? ?
M1A1 Thompson  United States Submachine gun 1945-? ?
M1918 BAR  United States Light machine gun 1945-? ?
Madsen  Denmark Light machine gun 1923-? ? Locally built and known as the Type 66 Light machine gun.
M1917  United States Heavy machine gun 1923-? ?
Type 77 Vicker Armstong  United Kingdom Heavy machine gun 1934-? ?
Type 97  Japan Anti-tank rifle ?-? ?
Type 25  Thailand Rocket launcher 1982-? ? 73 mm anti-tank rocket launcher.
M18  United States recoilless rifle ?-? ? 57 mm. recoilless rifle.
M20  United States recoilless rifle ?-? ? 75 mm. recoilless rifle.
FIM-43 Redeye  United States Man-portable air defense system ?-? ?
Vehicles
Carden Loyd Mark VI  United Kingdom Tankette 1930-1952 10
Carden Loyd Mark VI Modified  United Kingdom Tankette 1934-1952 30
Carden Loyd 6 Ton Mark E  United Kingdom Light tank 1934-1952 10
Carden Loyd A4 E12  United Kingdom Amphibious light tank 1933-1952 2
Vickers 6-Ton Type B  United Kingdom Light tank 1938-1952 8
Type 95 Ha-Go  Japan Light tank 1940-1952 50
Renault U.E.  France Light tank 1940-? 5
M24 Chaffee  United States Light tank 1952-1962 20
Staghound Mark 1  United States Armored car 1949-1972 48
M4 Morris  United States Armored car 1931-1952 6
M8 Greyhound  United States Armored car 1957-1973 25
Bren Gun Carrier  United Kingdom Armored personnel carrier 1944-? 118
Type 69-ll  China Main battle tank 1987-2004 100+
Artillery
Bofors L/24 Model 1934  Sweden 150mm. Field gun 1936-? 8
Bofors L/22 Model 1936  Sweden 105mm. Field gun 1938-? 20
Bofors L/42 Model 1934  Sweden 105mm. Field gun 1935-? 4
Bofors L/40 Model 1934  Sweden 75mm. Field gun 1938-? 52
Type 63 Field gun  Thailand 75mm. Field gun 1920-? ?
Krupp L/30 Model 1903  German Empire 75mm. Field gun 1908-? ?
Bofors L/20 Model 1929  Sweden 75mm. Mountain gun 1934-? 8
Type 49 Krupp  German Empire 50mm. Mountain gun 1906-1922 ?
Type 77 Bofors Model 1934  Sweden 47mm./75mm. Dual purpose gun 1934-? 32
M1A1  United States 75mm. Pack howitzer 1954-? ?
Type 76 Vicker Armstrong  United Kingdom 40mm. Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 1933-? 26
Bofors L/50 Model 1930  Sweden 75mm. Anti-aircraft gun 1934-? 18 8 ordered in 1934 and 10 ordered in 1937.
Type 97 90 mm  Japan Mortar 1941-? ?
Type 97 81 mm  Japan Mortar ? ?
Type 11 70 mm  Japan Mortar ? ?
Brandt 60mm  France Mortar 1935-? ?
Aviation
L-19 A Bird Dog  United States Observation aircraft 1956-? 100+
L-20 Beaver  United States Utility aircraft 1958-? 4
PC-6 Porter  United States Utility aircraft 1977-? 6
C-47 Dakota  United States transport aircraft ? 3
SHORT-330  United States transport aircraft ? 2
OH-13 Sioux  United States Light observation helicopter 1974-? 12
KV-4  Japan Light observation helicopter 1963-? 6
TH-55 A Osage  United States trainer helicopter 1974-? 25
S-55  United States Utility helicopter 1958-? 5
S-62  Japan Utility helicopter ? 1
Bell 214 B  United States Utility helicopter ? 3
Bell 214 ST  United States Utility helicopter 1984-? 3
CH-47 A Chinook  United States Transport helicopter 1972-? 4
KV-107 lll  Japan Cargo helicopter ? 3

Broadcasting

Radio and Television channel list

Free-to-air TV

Satellite TV

Radio

  • Royal Thai Army Radio Network all 126 stations

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Army of Thailand.

References

  1. ^ GlobalSecurity.org
  2. ^ http://www.weloverta.org/en/history/the-sukhothai-era-1257-%E2%80%93-1438
  3. ^ http://www.weloverta.org/eng/history/166-2/
  4. ^ http://www.weloverta.org/eng/category/about-us/page/2/
  5. ^ http://42militarycircle.com/history-2/the-royal-thai-army/
  6. ^ a b http://www.weloverta.org/en/history
  7. ^ Stanton, 'Vietnam Order of Battle,' 270–271.
  8. ^ 06BANGKOK3883, 'Southern Violence: The army takes the lead,' 30 June 2006, para 8.
  9. ^ Robert Karniol, 'Thailand boosts military in troubled south,' Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 February 2005, Vol. 42, No. 8, p.12
  10. ^ Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, New Thai army regiment to battle southern militants [sic – this is a division], BBC Monitoring International Reports, 16 February 2005.
  11. ^ International Crisis Group, 'Update Briefing: Stalemate in Southern Thailand,' Asia Briefing No. 113, Bangkok/Brussels, 3 November 2010, 3
  12. ^ Interview: Sukumpol Suwanatat, Air Chief Marshal and Minister of Defence, JDW 15 August 2012, Vol. 49, Issue 33, 34.
  13. ^ 111 Years
  14. ^ "110 Years of Army Medical Department, RTA. Commemorative Stamps". Catalog. SiamStamp. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  15. ^ Patrick Winn (12 September 2009). "Thailand Plans $191.3M Arms Purchase".
  16. ^ "Cabinet nod for buying Israeli rfiles". Bangkok Post. 15 September 2009.
  17. ^ http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue/dl.php?filename=201003140001071.pdf
  18. ^ a b "SIPRI Trade Register". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
  19. ^ http://www.ukroboronprom.com.ua/en/newsview/1/276
  20. ^ http://www.nonlen.com/news/19197/T-84-Oplot%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%815%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99.html
  21. ^ Thailand; Third batch Ukrainian BTR ordered - Dmilt.com, 3 Aug 2013
  22. ^ Royal Thai Army selects STARStreak - Armyrecognition.com, November 16, 2012
  23. ^ http://www.gunsandgames.com/smf/index.php?topic=66552.1740
  24. ^ http://chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com/2013/11/china-offers-fd-2000-hq-9-fk-1000-and.html
  25. ^ [1]
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/world-air-forces-2014-108161.aspx
  27. ^ a b http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php
  28. ^ http://www.army.mil/article/46906
  29. ^ http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2009/Thailand_09-49.pdf
  30. ^ http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Thailand_11-28.pdf
  31. ^ http://www.agustawestland.com/news/royal-thai-army-takes-delivery-two-aw139-helicopters Royal Thai Army Takes Delivery of Two AW139 Helicopters
  32. ^ http://www.thai-aviation.net/files/Army.pdf
  33. ^ "US Approves FMS of Six UH-72 Lakota for Royal Thai Army". 1 April 2014.
  34. ^ "New Ukraine tanks leave soldiers riled". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
  35. ^ "Украина выиграла тендер на поставку 200 танков "Оплот" в Таиланд". Segodnya.ua (in Russian).
  36. ^ DSCA UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter
  37. ^ Embraer Press Release Embraer sign contracts with the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy
  38. ^ Flight International Thailand buys third ERJ-135
  39. ^ [2] DTI - Preechathavorn Industry prototype armored car type 8X8
  40. ^ [3] DTI-1G
  41. ^ [4] Black Kite UAV
  42. ^ http://www.weekendhobby.com/gun/webboard/question.asp?page=7&ID=3810
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