Royal Thai Army
The Royal Thai Army or RTA (Template:Lang-th; RTGS: Kong Thap Bok Thai) is the army of Thailand responsible for protecting its sovereignty. It is the oldest and largest branch of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
History
Origin
The Royal Thai Army is responsible for protecting the kingdom's 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 1855 Bowring Treaty with Britain, which opened the country for international trade.[3]
Current
On 22 May 2014 the army deposed the government, appointed military officers to the national assembly, and on 21 August 2014 they elected the army's Commander in Chief, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, as prime minister. The general retired October 2014[4] to concentrate on political reform which he said would take at least a year, following which he promised national elections would be held.[5]
Observers have noted a power struggle in 2016 between competing camps of the Thai army and their support of competing heirs to the throne. The intra-military conflict is the division between the Queen's Guard Regiment, which supports Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, while other influential royalists and King's Guard soldiers prefer the king's second daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.[6]
Infrastructure
On 24 December 2015 the RTA broke ground for a new auditorium, formally called the "Royal Thai Army International Forum". The 2.3 billion baht (US$64 million) facility will replace an existing 58 year-old auditorium. The building is due to be completed in 2019. The ground floor auditorium will accommodate 500 people, an office, a press room, and a reception hall. The first floor will include a party room for 500 people. The second floor will hold a second auditorium for 3,000 people and a reception hall. The basement car park is designed to accommodate 400 vehicles.[7]
Command and control
The Royal Thai Army is commanded by the Commander of the Royal Thai Army (ผู้บัญชาการทหารบกไทย). The current commander is General Chalermchai Sitthisart, who was confirmed by royal appointment to take over the top post in 2016.[8] The Royal Thai Army headquarters is on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Commander-in-Chief: General Chalermchai Sitthisart
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief: General Walit Rochanapakdee
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Kampanat Ruddit
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Chalermchai Sitthisad
- Chief of Staff of the Army: General Pisit Sitthisarn
A regiment (the "Queen's Cobras") and later a division, then a brigade, served in South Vietnam from September 1967 to March 1972.[9]
List of commanders
Structure
The Royal Thai Army today is divided into four army areas:
- First Army – headquartered in Bangkok and is responsible for the country's western and central provinces including the capital city.
- 1st Division, King's Guard
- 2nd Infantry Division, King's Guard
- 9th Infantry Division
- 11th Infantry Division
- 2nd Cavalry Division
- 1st Development Division
- Second Army – headquartered in Nakhon Ratchasima and is responsible for the northeastern quadrant.
- 3rd and 6th Infantry Divisions
- 3rd Cavalry Division
- 2nd Development Division
- Third Army – headquartered in Phitsanulok, responsible for the northern and northwestern parts of the kingdom.
- 4th and 7th Infantry Divisions
- 1st Cavalry Division
- 3rd Development Division.
- Fourth Army – headquartered in Nakhon Si Thammarat, responsible for southern Thailand, engaged in the South Thailand insurgency. US 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."
- 5th Infantry Division – (five regiments)
- 15th Infantry Division – (Camp Queen Suriyothai, Nong Kae Hua Hin. (Prachuap Khiri Khan Province)
- 4th Development Division – US 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."[10]
The creation of the 15th Infantry Division was announced in January 2005.[11] 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 Pranburi-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 18 billion baht for the division over the next four years.[12]
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."[13]
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.[14]
The King's Guard form several separate regiments within these formations.
Tactical units
The army is organised into the following formations:
- Nine infantry divisions (including 16 tank battalions)
- One armoured division
- Three cavalry divisions (light armoured divisions)
- One special forces division trained and equipped for small unit special and airborne operations
- One field artillery division
- One air defence artillery division
- Eight independent infantry battalions
- Three airmobile companies provided the ground force units with battlefield support
The Royal Thai Army 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). ATLAS displays a continuous terrain model, incorporates HLA 1516, and displays 1:250,000 and 1:50,000 maps and satellite imagery. ATLAS was developed between 2002–2005 through co-operation with the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC).
Army Medical Department
Army Medical Department (AMED) (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,[15] with 110 years of service having been honoured by issue of a series of commemorative stamps.[16]
Air Division
Royal Thai Army Air Division (กองบินทหารบกไทย) belongs to the service segment of the Royal Thai Army Areas:
- Don Mueang Airport (VTBD)
- Units include the VIP squadron, flying Embraer ERL-135LRs (serial number 1084/HS-AMP and serial number 1124), two Jetstream 41s (serial numbers 41060 and 41094), two Casa 212–300s (serial numbers 446 and 447), and two Beech 1900C-1s (serial numbers 0169 and 0170) and the 1st Infantry Battalion operating two Bell 206Bs (serial numbers 4422 and 4448), three Schweizer S-300Cs (serial numbers 1340, 1366 and 1367), and two Cessna U-17B FAC aircraft (serial numbers 1616 and 1617).
- Bang Khen (3 km south of Don Mueang)
- The Royal Squadron flies three Bell 212s and two Bell 412s (serial numbers 36332 and 36333). There is also a special transport unit flying around 10–12 Bell 212s and one or two Bell 206s.
- Camp Surasri
- The 9th Infantry Battalion operates two Bell 206Bs (the serial number of one is 4424), and two or three Schweizer S-300Cs. There is also a detachment of UH-1Hs from an Air Mobility Company based here.
- Camp Jakapong (Prachinburi)
- The 2nd Infantry Battalion, "The Queen's Guard", was operating two Bell 206Bs (serial numbers 4446 and 4361), three Schweizer S-300Cs (serial numbers 1343, 1344, and 1345), and two Maule MX-7s (one serial number known is 099) in 2004, however it is likely the Maule MX-7s may now not be operated by this unit now. A detachment of this unit (with, in 1998, one Bell 206 and one Maule MX-7) was operating from Watthana Nakhon (VTBW) near the Cambodian border.
- Phitsanulok Airport (VTPP)
- Loc 16 degrees 46'58.58N,100 degrees 16'44.84E elevation 154 feet/47 metres.
- Runway 14/32 length 9,843 x 148 feet (3,000 x 45 metres)
- Operating from here is the 4th Infantry Battalion with Bell 206Bs, Schweizer S-300Cs, Cessna U-17Bs, and Maule MX-7s.
- Camp Suranaree (Khorat)
- The main flying unit here is the 3rd Infantry Battalion flying two Bell 206Bs (serial numbers 4396 and 4447), two Schweizer S-300Cs (serial numbers 1337 and 1339), and two Cessna U-17Bs (serial numbers 1454 and 1618).
- This field also hosts a detachment of up to three Bell 212 helicopters from one of the Air Mobility Companies.
Lopburi, the main base complex of Royal Thai Army Aviation, including 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 metres).
- Runways 01/19 3,300 x 98 feet (1,006 x 30 metres) and 06/24 3,890 x 98 feet (1,186 x 30 metres)
- Operating units here include
- Gong Bin Bau (Light Aviation Company) – operating Cessna U-17Bs, Cessna T-41s, and Searcher MKIIs
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Nung (Air Mobility Company 1) – operating Bell UH-1Hs and Bell 212s
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Song (Air Mobility Company 2) – operating Bell UH-1Hs (US Excess Defense Articles Program)and Bell 212s
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Sam (Air mobility Company 3) – operating Bell UH-1Hs, Bell 206Bs, Bell AH-1F Huey Cobras (eight) and Bell 212s
- Gong Bin Pee-ak Moon Tee Gou (pasom) (Air Mobility Company 9) [Mixed]) – operating Bell UH-1Hs (US Excess Defense Articles Program) and Sikorsky S-70-43 Black Hawks (six) with six more on order.
- Gong Bin Sanub-sanoon Tua Pai (General Support Aviation Battalion) – operating Boeing CH-47D Chinooks, Bell UH-1Hs, and Mil Mi-17V5s
- The army aviation centre is based here, which conducts conversion training for the army. Types operated are Cessna T-41Bs (ex-US army surplus), Maule MX-7s, and Schweizer S-300C piston trainer helicopters.
- The two former VIP Beechcraft 200 King Air aeroplanes (serial numbers 0342 and 1165), are also based here. Their present role is unknown. These aeroplanes were modified in the US in the late-1990s.
A separate airfield within the Lopburi complex (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 Thammarat (not at the airport): two Bell 206B-3s (serial numbers 4382 and 4427), three Schweizer TH-300Cs (serial numbers 1371, 1372, and 1373) and two Maule MX-7s (serial numbers 114 and 115). A detachment of helicopters can be found here from the Air Mobility Companies based at Lopburi.
- The 6th Infantry Battalion is based near Ubon Ratchatani.
Rank structure
Equivalent NATO Code |
OF-10 | OF-9 | OF-8 | OF-7 | OF-6 | OF-5 | OF-4 | OF-3 | OF-2 | OF-1 | Cadet Officer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Officer ranks |
||||||||||||
จอมพล | พลเอก | พลโท | พลตรี | พลจัตวา1 | พันเอก | พันโท | พันตรี | ร้อยเอก | ร้อยโท | ร้อยตรี | นักเรียนนายร้อย | |
Field Marshal | General | Lieutenant General | Major General | Brigadier1 | Colonel | Lieutenant Colonel | Major | Captain | First Lieutenant | Second Lieutenant | Cadet Officer | |
|
Equipment
Infantry weapons
Small arms
Photo | Model | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pistols | ||||||
M1911 | Semi-automatic pistol | .45 ACP | US Thailand |
Thai M1911A1 pistols produced under license; locally known as the Type 86 pistol (ปพ.86). | ||
Heckler & Koch USP | Semi-automatic pistol | .45ACP | Germany | Used by special forces. | ||
Beretta 92 | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Italy | |||
Shotguns | ||||||
Remington Model 870 | Shotgun | 12 gauge | US | |||
Franchi SPAS-12 | Shotgun | 12 gauge | Italy | |||
Submachine guns | ||||||
Heckler & Koch MP5 | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Germany | Used by special forces. | ||
UZI | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Israel | Used by military police. | ||
Heckler & Koch UMP | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Germany | UMP9 submachine guns used by special forces. | ||
FN P90 | Submachine gun | 5.7x28mm | Belgium | FN P90 submachine guns used by special forces. | ||
Assault rifles | ||||||
IMI Tavor TAR-21 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Israel | Standard infantry rifle. Replaced M16A1, 106,203 Tavors on order. Present 73,000+ Tavor/X95 in service [17][18] | ||
M16A1/A2/A4 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | US | Standard infantry rifle. Aging M16A1 will be replaced by IMI Tavor TAR-21 and M16A4. | ||
Heckler & Koch HK33 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 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 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 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. | ||
Steyr AUG | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Austria | Used by special forces. | ||
Heckler & Koch G36 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Germany | Used by special forces. | ||
SAR 21 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Singapore | Used by special forces. | ||
AK-102 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Russia | Used by special forces. | ||
IMI Galil | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 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. | ||
M4A1 Carbine | Carbine | 5.56×45mm NATO | US | Used by special forces, some equipped with SOPMOD kit. | ||
CAR-15 | Carbine | 5.56×45mm NATO | US | |||
Semi-automatic rifles | ||||||
M1 Garand | Semi-automatic rifle | .30-06 Springfield | US | Locally known as the Type 88 self-loading rifle (ปลยบ.88). Used by King's Guards and by Army Reserve Force Students as a non-firing training rifle. | ||
M1/M2 Carbine | Semi-automatic rifle | .30 Carbine | US | Locally known as the Type 87 carbine (ปสบ. 87). Used by Army Reserve Force Students as a non-firing training rifle. | ||
Sniper rifle and Marksman rifles | ||||||
SIG Sauer SSG 3000 | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Switzerland | |||
SR-25 | Marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | US | |||
M14 rifle | Marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | US | |||
Machine guns | ||||||
FN MINIMI | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Belgium | |||
IMI Negev | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Israel | Over 2,000 purchased. Delivery is ongoing.[19] | ||
Heckler & Koch HK21 | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Germany | |||
Type 56 LMG | Light machine gun | 7.62×39mm | China | Used in small numbers mainly by the Thahan Phran. Former Thai Communist machine gun. | ||
FN MAG-58 | General purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Belgium | |||
M60 | General purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | US | |||
M2 Browning machine gun | Heavy machine gun | .50 BMG | US | Locally known as Type 93 machine gun (ปก.93). Use by infantry units and mobile vehicles and helicopters. | ||
Type 54 HMG | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×108mm | China | Mounted on Type 69 and small number of V-150. |
Grenades, rockets, and MANPADS
Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grenade launchers | ||||||
M203 grenade launcher | Underbarrel grenade launcher | US | ||||
Beretta GLX160 | Underbarrel grenade launcher | Italy | ||||
M79 grenade launcher | Single-shot grenade launcher | US | ||||
BTS-203 | Single-shot grenade launcher | Thailand | Used in small numbers by Army Reserve Force Students as a non-firing training grenade launcher. | |||
Mk 19 grenade launcher | Automatic grenade launcher | US | ||||
Anti-Tank | ||||||
M72 LAW | Anti-tank rocket launcher | US | ||||
M47 Dragon | Anti-tank guided missile | 500 | US | |||
BGM-71 TOW | Anti-tank guided missile | US | ||||
RPG-2 | 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 recoilless rifle | Recoilless rifle | Sweden | ||||
M40 recoilless rifle | Recoilless rifle | US | Mounted on M151 utility vehicles. | |||
Anti-Aircraft | ||||||
9K38 Igla-S | Man-portable air-defence system | 48 | Russia | Part of order placed in 2010.[20] | ||
HN-5A | Man-portable air-defence system | 90 | China | [20] |
Vehicles
Armoured fighting vehicles
Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tanks | ||||||
[5] | T-84 Oplot-M | Main Battle Tank | 20 (+29)[21][22] | Ukraine | Up to 200 may be acquired. The first order of 49 tanks was placed in Sep 2011 although there are no official announcements from the Royal Thai Army. The government has approved 7.2 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, Phitsanulok).[citation needed] Five to be delivered on 5 February 2014, 20 will be delivered in early-2015.[21][23] | |
VT-4 | Main battle tank | 0 (+28) | China | Up to 150 may be acquired.[24] The RTA has signed an agreement with China to procure the VT-4 main battle tank (MBT), features an initial 28 units, with deliveries expected to commence before the end of 2016 and conclude within two years. The deal, thought to be valued at about USD150 million. If the first batch of deliveries is successful, sources indicated the RTA would look to procure additional VT-4s as it seeks to meet a long-standing requirement for up to 150 MBTs.[25] | ||
M60A1/A3 Patton | Main battle tank | 53 A1 125 A3 |
US | Ex–US Army 53 M60A1 RISE Passive and 125 M60A3 TTS. | ||
M48A5 Patton | Main battle tank | 105 | US | |||
M41A3 Walker Bulldog | Light tank | 200 | US | Being replaced by the T-84 Oplot-M Main Battle Tanks.[26] | ||
FV101 Scorpion CVR(T) | Light tank | 128 | UK | |||
Stingray light tank | Light tank | 106 | US | |||
Armoured Vehicles | ||||||
BTR-3E1 | Infantry fighting vehicle/Armoured personnel carrier | 223 (+21) | Ukraine Thailand |
96 ordered in 2008. Deliveries delayed due to changes in engine and transmission. Additional six given by the Ukrainian Government. Second order of 121 announced in Aug 2011.[citation needed] Third order of 21 announced in August 2013.[27] Thai BTR-3E1 is produced under license.[28] | ||
Type 85 | Armoured personnel carrier | 396 | China | Variants include: APC, ACV,SPM 120mm, SPM 81mm, SPRL. Six are fitted with Type 82 multiple rocket launchers. | ||
M113A1/A2/A3 | Armoured personnel carrier | 500+ | US | Overall there are 500+ M113s in different variants. 450+ of M113A1/A2/A3 are armoured personnel carriers. Six M113A2s are fitted with TOW 1 anti-tank missiles. twenty-three are M577 command vehicles. Ten M113A3s are recovery vehicles. Nine M113A3s are ambulances. | ||
V-150 Commando | Armoured personnel carrier | 113 | US | Variants include: 27 V-150s are armoured personnel carriers. Twenty-nine V-150s are 81mm mortar carriers. Fifty-six V-150s are fitted with 90mm turrets. One V-150 is an ambulance. | ||
V-100 Commando | Armoured personnel carrier | 19+ | US | |||
M901A3 ITV | Tank destroyer | 18 | US | |||
M106A1/A2 | Mortar carrier | Unknown | US | Fitted with 107 mm M30 mortar and a 12.7 mm machine gun. | ||
M125 | Mortar carrier | Unknown | US | Fitted with 81 mm M29 mortar and a 12.7 mm machine gun. | ||
Humvee | Light Armored Car/Light utility vehicle | +1,200 | US | 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 | US | Used for resupplying the M109A5 howitzer. | |
FV105 Sultan | Armored command vehicle | Unknown | UK | ||
Bronco ATTC | Amphibious armoured vehicle | Unknown | Singapore | Troop carrier variant. Used by engineers. | |
Type 84 AVLB | Armoured vehicle-launched bridge | 4 | China | Based on the Type 69 MBT. 18 m long mobile bridge. | |
M881A1/A2 Hercules | Armored recovery vehicle | 22 | US | ||
Type 653 | Armored recovery vehicle | 16 | China | ||
FV106 Samson | Armored recovery vehicle | Unknown | UK | ||
M578 LRV | Armored recovery vehicle | Unknown | US |
Utility and logistical vehicles
Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Utility vehicles | ||||||
[6][7] | M50,M51 Chaiprakarn | Military light utility vehicle | +2,200 | Thailand | ||
[8][9][10] | TR MUV4 | Military light utility vehicle | N/A | Thailand | ||
M151 | Military light utility vehicle | +550 | US | RTA use M151A2, M718A1, M825. | ||
Mercedes-Benz G-Class | Military light utility vehicle | Unknown | Germany | |||
Logistical vehicles | ||||||
M911 | Tractor unit | N/A | US | |||
M813 | Truck | +500 | US | 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 | Truck | +2,000 | US | RTA use M35, M35A1, M35A2, M50A2, M50A3, M49A1, M49A2, M109A3, M185A1, M292A2, M275, M36A2. | ||
Isuzu F-Series | Truck | +2,000 | Japan Thailand |
RTA use Isuzu FTS 800 4x4, FTS 33 H2E 4x4. | ||
KrAZ-6322 | Truck | less than 50[29] | Ukraine | |||
LMTV | Truck | +750 | US | RTA have four series of LMTV, M1083, M1085, M1088, and M1089. | ||
UNIMOG | Truck | +1,500 | Germany | RTA use U1100/L 4x4, U1550 4x4, U2450/L 6x6, U2405 6x6. |
Artillery
Multiple rocket launchers, surface-to-air missiles, howitzers, mortars
Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Multiple rocket launchers | ||||||
DTI-1G | 400 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 3 | Thailand China |
The DTI-1G is a multiple rocket launcher of Thai origin. The weapon is a derivative of the WS-32. | ||
DTI-1 | 302 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 3 | Thailand China |
The DTI-1 is a multiple rocket launcher of Thai origin. The weapon is a derivative of the WS-1B. | ||
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 missiles | ||||||
SPADA | Surface-to-air missile | 8 launcher | Italy | |||
Starstreak | Surface-to-air missile | 8 launchers | UK | Ordered in 2012[30] | ||
VL MICA | Surface-to-air missile | 0 (+4 launcher) | France | Ordered in 2013. | ||
Howitzers | ||||||
CAESAR | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 6 | France | |||
ATMOS 2000 | 155 mm self-propelled howitzer | 6 (+12) | Israel Thailand |
The RTA purchased 18 systems, 1 system delivered from Israel. Another is ongoing license-production in Thailand.[31][32] | ||
M109A5 | 155 mm self-propelled howitzer | 20 | US | |||
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 | US | |||
M114 | 155 mm towed howitzer | 56 | US | in reserve. Replaced by M198 howitzer. | ||
Type 59-1 | 130 mm towed howitzer | 18 | China | in reserve. | ||
L119 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 22 | UK Thailand |
Thai L119 light gun produced under license. | ||
GIAT LG1 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 24 Mk ll 18 Mk l |
France | Mk l from Singapore Army. | ||
M56 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 12 | Italy | |||
M101A1 mod | 105 mm towed howitzer | 285 | US | 285 guns improve the Nexter LG1 calibre | ||
M102 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 12 | US | In reserve. | ||
M618A2 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 32 | Thailand | In reserve. | ||
M425 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 12 | Thailand | In reserve. | ||
Mortars | ||||||
M29 mortar | 81 mm mortar | US | ||||
M1 mortar | 81 mm mortar | US | ||||
M2 mortar | 60 mm mortar | US | ||||
M19 mortar | 60 mm mortar | US | ||||
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 | US | ||
M163 VADS | 20 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun | 24 | US | ||
Type 59 | 57 mm towed anti-aircraft gun | 24 | China | ||
Bofors L60/70 | 40 mm towed anti-aircraft gun | 72 L60 86 L70 |
Sweden | ||
Oerlikon GDF | 35 mm twin cannon towed anti-aircraft gun | 0(+8) | Switzerland | 8 GDF-007, used with 4x Skyguard 3 FC radar units. | |
M167 VADS | 20 mm towed anti-aircraft gun | 24 | US | ||
M45 Quadmount | 4 x M2HB machine guns | 24 | US | M55 Machine Gun Trailer Mount, currently used in reserve and training units | |
M16 MGMC | 4 x M2HB machine guns | 72 | US | Currently used in reserve and training units. |
Radar systems
Air search radars, Artillery-locating radars
Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Air search radars | ||||||
Siemens DR-172 ADV | Medium range air search radar | 4 | US | One system in one army area. | ||
Lockheed Martins LAADS | Mobile Short range air search radar | 10 | US | 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 | ||||||
AN/TPQ-36(V)11 | Counter-battery radar | 5 | US | |||
BL-904A | Counter-battery radar | 2[33] | China | Two ordered in 2014. |
Aircraft
The Royal Thai Army is known to operate the following aircraft types:
Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helicopters | ||||||
Bell AH-1F Huey Cobra | Attack helicopter | 7[34] | US | Serial numbers 9996, 9997, 9998. Serial number 9999 lost in 2001 crash. Four more of the same model were ordered in 2005.[35] RTA also has another three AH-1F in storage for spare parts.[36] | ||
Eurocopter Fennec AS550 C3 | Light Attack helicopter | 8[34] | France | Gunships. Serial numbers are 7443, 7484, 7560, 7584, 7658, 7703, 7724, and 7775. | ||
Sikorsky UH-60L/M Blackhawk (S-70A-43) | Utility helicopter | 9 L 3(+4)M |
US | Serial numbers 6927, 6928, 6929, 7002, 7003, 7025, and 7026. Three more UH-60Ls[37] and three more UH-60Ms[38] ordered Aug 2009 and Jul 2011, respectively. S-70A-43, serial number 6928 was lost in a crash on 17 July 2011. The government has also approved the purchase of two more UH-60Ms. Three more S-70As (based on the UH-60L) arrived at the port of Laem Chabang on 8 April 2013. The serial numbers for these are 7220, 7221, and 7222. Three UH-60M Black Hawks were delivered to RTA on 31 August 2014.These are serial numbers 7334, 7335, and 7336.[39] | ||
Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota | Utility helicopter | 5[34] | US | These are serial numbers 9644, 9646, 9654, 9656, 9661, and 9666. | ||
Bell UH-1H Iroquois | Utility helicopter | 52[34] | US | From US military aid during Vietnam War. Some were bought by RTA through Excess defence articles. Total delivered from 1968–2004: 174.[40] Less than 50% air-worthy. All operable UH-1Hs are in use by three RTA airmobile companies. In 2016 20 UH-1Hs will be upgraded into the UH-1H Plus standard that see its engine replace by Honeywell T53-L703 as well as main rotor blade, tail boom, and many part replace by the Bell 212's equipment standard.[41] | ||
Bell 212 | Utility helicopter | 52[34] | US | Used by 1st Airmobile Co, 2nd Airmobile Co, 3rd Airmobile Co, and Department of Army Transportation. Eight undergoing upgrade to tactical helicopter. Forty-eight planned. | ||
Bell 206 Jet Ranger | Utility helicopter | 27[34] | US | Both the Bell 206A and Bell 206B are in use. | ||
AgustaWestland AW139 | VIP transport/Utility helicopter | 2 (+6) | Italy | For VIPs.[42][43] | ||
Eurocopter EC145 | VIP transport helicopter | 0 (+6) | France | For VIPs.[44] | ||
Mil Mi-17-V5 | Transport helicopter | 5 | Russia | Three helicopters delivered by AN-124-100 RA-82078 to U-Tapao RTNS on 22 February 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 6402.2 additional Mi-17-V5 were delivered into U-Tapao RTNS on 26 November 2015 by AN-124. These were serial numbers 6404 and 6405. | ||
Boeing CH-47D Chinook | Transport helicopter | 6[34] | US | |||
Schweizer S-300C | Observation/Trainer helicopter | 54[34] | US | For observation and training | ||
Enstrom 480B | Trainer helicopter | 16[34] | US | For training | ||
Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
CASA C-295W | Transport aircraft | 0 (+1) | Spain | The RTA ordered one C-295W.[45] | ||
Embraer ERJ-135LR | VIP transport aircraft | 2 | Brazil | Both aircraft delivered (serial numbers 1084/HS-AMP and 1124) | ||
British Aerospace Jetstream 41 | VIP transport aircraft | 2 | UK | Serial numbers 41060 and 41094. Based with the VIP unit at Don Mueang Airport. | ||
Beechcraft 1900C-1 | VIP transport aircraft | 2 | US | Serial numbers 0169 and 0170. Based with the VIP unit at Don Mueang Airport. | ||
Beechcraft Super King Air 200 | VIP transport aircraft | 2 | US | Serial numbers 0342 and 1165. Based at the Lopburi army complex. | ||
CASA C-212-300 Aviocar | VIP transport aircraft | 2 | Spain | Serial numbers 446 and 447 based with the VIP squadron at Don Mueang Airport. One of these aeroplanes is no longer in service. | ||
Unmanned aerial vehicles | ||||||
IAI Searcher | UAV | 4 Mk l 3 Mk ll |
Israel | |||
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven | UAV | 12 (+120) | US |
Future equipment
Ground forces
- VT-4 Main Battle Tank – On 13 May 2016 it was reported that the RTA ordered 28 units of VT-4 MBT.[46] The RTA has signed an agreement with China to procure the VT-4 main battle tank (MBT), features an initial 28 units, with deliveries expected to commence before the end of 2016 and conclude within two years. The deal is thought to be valued at about USD150 million. If the first batch of deliveries is successful, sources indicated the RTA would look to procure additional VT-4s as it seeks to meet a long-standing requirement for up to 150 MBTs.[25]
- T-84 Oplot-M – In March 2011, the RTA 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. The RTA had yet to make an official announcement.[47][48]
- Missile systems – The RTA want surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles with the RTA choosing HIMARS and VL MICA. [citation needed]
- Self-propelled artillery – The RTA purchase ATMOS 2000. [citation needed]
- Surface-to-air missiles – On 1 July 2014 it was reported that the RTA is considering buying a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.[49][50]
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 Thailand of three Black Hawk helicopters and associated equipment and logistical support at an estimated cost of US$150 million.[51]
- ERJ-135 – The RTA signed a contract with Embraer to purchase an ERJ-135 for VIP transport.[52] On 12 January 2009, Royal Thai Army signed a second contract to buy another aircraft for VIP and medivac use.[53]
Indigenous
Historical equipment
Broadcasting
Radio and Television channel list
Free-to-air TV
Satellite TV
Radio
- Royal Thai Army Radio Network all 126 stations
See also
- Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
- Royal Thai Army Radio and Television
- Border Patrol Police
- Thahan Phran
- Battle of Phou Pha Thi, (Northeastern Laos, March 1968) covert Border Patrol "volunteers"
- Thai–Laotian Border War
- Cambodian–Thai border dispute
- Chao Phraya Bodindecha
References
- ^ John Pike (22 May 2014). "GlobalSecurity.org". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ "Breaking news". ThaiPBS. 30 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ^ "The Royal Thai Army | 42nd Military Circle". 42militarycircle.com. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ http://www.dw.com/en/thailands-new-army-chief-takes-office/a-6066746
- ^ "Thailand's Junta Chief Chosen as Prime Minister". Voice of America. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- ^ Chen, Qingzhen (19 February 2016). "Three goals the Thai junta hopes to achieve before it exits". Global Risk Insights. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ Nanuam, Wassana (24 December 2015). "New B2.3bn army auditorium in 2019". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
- ^ Chambers, Paul (18 October 2016). "Guardian of the kingdom". New Mandala. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Stanton, 'Vietnam Order of Battle,' 270–271.
- ^ 06BANGKOK3883, 'Southern Violence: The army takes the lead,' 30 June 2006, para 8.
- ^ Robert Karniol, 'Thailand boosts military in troubled south,' Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 February 2005, Vol. 42, No. 8, p. 12
- ^ Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, New Thai army regiment to battle southern militants [sic – this is a division], BBC Monitoring International Reports, 16 February 2005.
- ^ International Crisis Group, 'Update Briefing: Stalemate in Southern Thailand,' Asia Briefing No. 113, Bangkok/Brussels, 3 November 2010, 3
- ^ Interview: Sukumpol Suwanatat, Air Chief Marshal and Minister of Defence, JDW 15 August 2012, Vol. 49, Issue 33, 34.
- ^ "111 Years". Amed.go.th. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ "110 Years of Army Medical Department, RTA. Commemorative Stamps". Catalog. SiamStamp. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
- ^ Patrick Winn (12 September 2009). "Thailand Plans $191.3M Arms Purchase".
- ^ "Cabinet nod for buying Israeli rfiles". Bangkok Post. 15 September 2009.
- ^ [1] Archived 2 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b "SIPRI Trade Register". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
- ^ a b "Second batch of five T-84 Oplot-M Main Battle Tank for Thailand Army ready to be delivered". Army Recognition. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
- ^ "ผบ.ทบ.สยบข่าวลือ ยันรถถังยูเครน 10 คันส่งถึงไทยทัน 30 มี.ค.ปีหน้าแน่นอน". Matichon (in Thai). 7 July 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- ^ "'T-84 Oplot'รถถังยูเครนส่งถึงไทยลอตแรก5คัน" (in Thai). Retrieved 15 June 2014.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ Royal Thai Army signed the contract for Norinco VT-4 main battle tanks. defence-blog.com.
{{cite news}}
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: missing prefix (help) - ^ a b Thailand to procure MBT-3000 tanks from China. IHS Jane's 360. 16 May 2016.
{{cite news}}
: Invalid|script-title=
: missing prefix (help) - ^ Украина выиграла тендер на поставку 200 танков "Оплот" в Таиланд. Segodnya.ua (in Russian).
- ^ Thailand; Third batch Ukrainian BTR ordered - Dmilt.com, 3 August 2013
- ^ Thailand closer to BTR-3E1 production deal with Ukraine
- ^ Вадим Добровольский. Солдат для Таиланда // "AUTO-Review.UA"
- ^ Royal Thai Army selects STARStreak - Armyrecognition.com, 16 November 2012
- ^ Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly (4 November 2013). "Elbit, Thai industry collaborate on ATMOS 155 mm SP howitzer - IHS Jane's 360". Janes.com. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ "First Elbit Systems' ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Gun Arrived to Thailand". 30 March 2015.
- ^ Thailand inducts Chinese artillery radar. Shephard Media.
{{cite news}}
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- ^ "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ Paul Steven Ghiringhelli (21 October 2010). "AH-1 Cobra retirement". United States Army. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ [2] Archived 16 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ [3] Archived 21 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ [4] Archived 23 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ http://www.thai-aviation.net/files/Army.pdf
- ^ "D&S2015: Transworld upgrading RTA UH-1H and RTN & RTP Bell 212". thaiarmedforce.com. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "Royal Thai Army Takes Delivery of Two AW139 Helicopters". Leonardocompany.com. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
- ^ "Thai Army Orders 8 AgustaWestland AW139 Helicopters". defenseworld.net. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ "Thailand signs contract to buy six EC145 helicopters". janes.com. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
- ^ "Orders, Deliveries, In Operation Military aircraft by Country - Worldwide" (PDF). Airbus Defence & Space. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ http://thaiarmedforce.com/taf-military-news/53-rta-news/814-rta-signed-for-vt-4-mbt.html
- ^ "New Ukraine tanks leave soldiers riled". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 26 March 2011.[dead link ]
- ^ Украина выиграла тендер на поставку 200 танков "Оплот" в Таиланд. Segodnya.ua (in Russian).
- ^ Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry (30 June 2014). "Thailand considers medium-range SAM purchase - IHS Jane's 360". Janes.com. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
{{cite web}}
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- ^ DSCA UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter Archived 16 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Embraer Press Release Embraer sign contracts with the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy Archived 29 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Flight International Thailand buys third ERJ-135
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- ^ Nanuam, Wassana; Laohong, King-Oua (21 June 2016). "PM brushes off dud bomb detector probe". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 21 June 2016.