Royal Thai Army
| Royal Thai Army กองทัพบกไทย (RTGS: Kongthap Bok Thai) | |
|---|---|
|
Emblem of the Royal Thai Army | |
| Active | 1874 |
| Country |
 Thailand |
| Allegiance | HM The King |
| Type | Army |
| Size | 190,000 (Estimated)[1] |
| Part of | Royal Thai Armed Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Bangkok |
| Motto | เพื่อชาติ ศาสน์ กษัตริย์ และประชาชน ("For the Nation, Religions, King, and People") |
| Colors | Red |
| March | มาร์ชกองทัพบก (Army March) |
| Anniversaries |
18 January (Royal Thai Armed Forces Day) |
| Engagements |
Franco-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-chief | General Udomdej Sitabutr |
| Notable commanders |
Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena Plaek Pibulsonggram Sarit Dhanarajata Thanom Kittikachorn Prem Tinsulanonda Chavalit Yongchaiyudh Suchinda Kraprayoon Surayud Chulanont Sonthi Boonyaratglin Prayuth Chan-ocha |
| Insignia | |
| Royal Thai Army Flag |
 |
| Unit Colour |
 |
The Royal Thai Army (Thai: กองทัพบกไทย, "Thailand 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.
History
Main article: Military history of Thailand
Origin
The Siamese Expeditionary Force in Paris, 1919.
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.[2]
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 Prayuth Chan-ocha, as prime minister. The general was expected to retire in September 2014 to concentrate on political reform which he said would take at least a year, following which he promised national elections would be held.[3]
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 Udomdej Sitabutr
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Chatchai Sarikalya
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: General Paiboon Koomchaya
- Chief of Staff of the Army: General Aksara Kerdpol
A regiment (the "Queen's Cobras") and later a division, then a brigade, served in South Vietnam from September 1967 to March 1972.[4]
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:
- First Army (Thailand) – headquartered in Bangkok and is responsible for the country's western and central provinces including the capital city.
- 1st, 2nd, 9th and 11th infantry divisions
- 2nd Cavalry Division
- 1st Development Division
- 31st Infantry Regiment (Thailand)
- Second Army – headquartered in Nakhon Ratchasima and is responsible for the northeastern quadrant.
- 3rd, 6th Infantry Divisions
- 3rd Cavalry Division
- 2nd Development Division (Nakhon Ratchasima)
- 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."[5]
The creation of the 15th Infantry Division (Thailand) was announced in January 2005.[6] 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.[7]
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.'[8]
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.[9]
The 1st Artillery Bataillion, King's Guard in the procession of Princess Galyani Vadhana's royal urn
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 divisions (light armoured divisions)
- 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,[10] with 110 years of service having been honored by issue of a series of commemorative stamps.[11]
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
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 forces. | |
 | FN P90 | Submachine gun | 5.7x28mm | .svg.png){kind=small} Belgium | FN P90 submachine guns used by special forces. | |
| Assault rifle | ||||||
.jpg) | 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 | 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, 106,203 Tavors on order. Present 73,000+ Tavor/X95 in service [12][13] | |
 | 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 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 2,000 purchased. Delivery is ongoing.[14] | |
 | 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 | ||
 | 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 helicopters. | |
 | 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 | [15] | ||
 | 9K38 Igla-S | Man-portable air defense system | 48 |  Russia | Part of order placed in 2010.[15] | |
Vehicles
Armoured fighting vehicles
| Photo | Model | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank | ||||||
 | T-84 Oplot-M | Main Battle Tank | 5 (+44)[16] |  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). Five to be delivered on 5 February 2014, 20 will be delivered in July 2014.[17][18] | |
 | M60A1/A3 Patton | Main battle tank | 53 A1 125 A3 | United States | Ex–US Army 53 M60A1 RISE Passive and 125 M60A3 TTS. | |
.jpg) | M48A5 Patton | Main battle tank | 105 | United States | ||
 | M41A3 Walker Bulldog | Light tank | 200 | United States | ||
 | 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. | |
_en.jpg) | 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 | 222 (+21) | 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. Third order of 21 announced in August 2013.[19] | |
 | 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 | +1,200 | 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 | |
_ARV.jpg) | 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 | +2,200 | Thailand | |||
| TR MUV4 | light utility vehicle | N/A | Thailand | |||
 | M151 | light utility vehicle | +550 | United States | RTA use M151A2, M718A1, M825. | |
 | Mercedes-Benz G-Class | light utility vehicle | Unknown | Germany | ||
| 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 | +2,000 | United States | RTA use M35, M35A1, M35A2, M50A2, M50A3, M49A1, M49A2, M109A3, M185A1, M292A2, M275, M36A2. | |
.jpg) | Isuzu F-Series | Medium,Heavy Logistic Vehicle | +2,000 |  Japan/ Thailand | RTA use Isuzu FTS 800 4x4, FTS 33 H2E 4x4, | |
 | UNIMOG | Medium Logistic Vehicle | +1,500 | Germany | RTA use U1100/L 4x4, U1550 4x4, U2450/L 6x6, U2405 6x6. | |
 | KrAZ | Medium Logistic Vehicle | +50 | Ukraine | ||
 | 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 | ||||||
| DTI-1G | 400 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 0(+3) | Thailand | 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 | 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 missile | ||||||
 | SPADA | Surface-to-air missile | 8 launcher | Italy | ||
 | Starstreak | Surface-to-air missile | 8 launcher | United Kingdom | Ordered in 2012[20] | |
 | VL MICA | Surface-to-air missile | 0(+4 launcher) |  France | Ordered in 2013. | |
| 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.[21][22] | |
 | 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. | |
.jpg) | Type 59-1 | 130 mm towed howitzer | 18 | China | in reserve. | |
 | L119 | 105 mm towed howitzer | 22 | United Kingdom Thailand | Thai L119 Light Gun produced under license. | |
 | LG1 Mk II | 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 | 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 | ||||||
 | 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 | |
| BL-904A | Firefinder radar | 0(+2) | China | 2 Ordered in 2014. |
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[23] | Serial numbers 9996, 9997, 9998. Serial number 9999 lost in 2001 crash. 4 more of the same model were ordered in 2005.[24] RTA also has another 3 AH-1F in storage for spare parts.[25] |
 | Eurocopter Fennec AS550 C3 | France | 8[23] | For Gunship. |
| | Sikorsky UH-60L/M Blackhawk (S-70A-43) | United States | 9 L 3(+4)M | Serial numbers 6927, 6928, 6929, 7002, 7003, 7025, and 7026. 3 more UH-60Ls[26] and 3 more UH-60Ms[27] 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. 3 UH-60M Black Hawk were delivered to Royal Thai Army on August 31, 2014 [28] |
 | Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota | United States | 0(+6+9)[23] | 23 plan.[29] |
 | Bell UH-1H Iroquois | United States | 52[23] | From US military aid during Vietnam War. Some were bought by RTA through Excess defense articles. Total delivered from 1968 to 2004: 174.[30] Less than 50% air-worthy. All operable UH-1Hs are used by 3 RTA airmobile companies. |
 | AgustaWestland AW139 | Italy | 2 | For VIP.[31] |
.jpg) | Boeing CH-47D Chinook | United States | 6[23] | [24] |
| | 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 212 | United States | 52[23] | Used by 1st Airmobile Co, 2nd Airmobile Co, 3rd Airmobile Co and Department of Army Transportation. 8 undergoing upgrade to tactical helicopter 48 plan. |
 | Bell 206 Jet Ranger | United States | 27[23] | Both the Bell 206A and Bell 206B in use. |
 | Schweizer S-300C | United States | 54[23] | For observation and training |
 | Enstrom 480B | United States | 16[23] | 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. |
 | IAI Searcher | Israel | 4 Mk l 3 Mk ll | |
 | 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.[32][33]
- 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.
- Surface-to-air missile procurement – On 1 July 2014 it was reported that the Royal Thai Army is considering buying a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.[34][35]
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Under the 105 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer plan by Defense Technology Institute.
- Under the 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer plan by Defense Technology Institute.
- Missiles
- DTI-2G – The Surface-to-air missile by Defense Technology Institute.
- Under the Cruise missile ground attack and anti-ship plan by Defense Technology Institute.
- Under the Man-portable air-defense systems plan by Defense Technology Institute.
- Under the Anti-tank guided missile plan by Defense Technology Institute.
- Army Aviation
- UAV RD01 – The Unmanned aerial vehicle by Defense Technology Institute.
- Black Kite UAV – The Unmanned aerial vehicle by Avia Satcom and Saab do joint venture.[41]
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 | Surface-to-air missile | 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
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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
- Special Activities Division
- 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
- Type 45 Siamese Mauser
- Chao Phraya Bodindecha
References
- ↑ John Pike (2014-05-22). "GlobalSecurity.org". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ "The Royal Thai Army | 42nd Military Circle". 42militarycircle.com. 2010-10-01. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ "Thailand's Junta Chief Chosen as Prime Minister". Voice of America. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- ↑ 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 2014-08-04.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "SIPRI Trade Register". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
- ↑ "Ukraine has supplied the first batch of five Oplot main battle tanks to Thailand". Ukroboronprom.com.ua. 2014-02-04. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ "'T-84 Oplot'รถถังยูเครนส่งถึงไทยลอตแรก5คัน" (in Thai). Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Second batch of five T-84 Oplot-M Main Battle Tank for Thailand Army ready to be delivered". 14 April 2015.
- ↑ Thailand; Third batch Ukrainian BTR ordered - Dmilt.com, 3 Aug 2013
- ↑ Royal Thai Army selects STARStreak - Armyrecognition.com, November 16, 2012
- ↑ Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly (2013-11-04). "Elbit, Thai industry collaborate on ATMOS 155 mm SP howitzer - IHS Jane's 360". Janes.com. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ "First Elbit Systems' ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Gun Arrived to Thailand". 30 March 2015.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 23.7 23.8 "World Air Forces 2014 - Pictures & Photos on FlightGlobal Airspace". Flightglobal.com. 2013-12-05. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ Paul Steven Ghiringhelli (October 21, 2010). "AH-1 Cobra retirement program at Fort Drum ends; final four helicopters head to Thailand". United States Army. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ "US Approves FMS of Six UH-72 Lakota for Royal Thai Army". April 1, 2014.
- ↑ http://www.thai-aviation.net/files/Army.pdf
- ↑ "Royal Thai Army Takes Delivery of Two AW139 Helicopters". Agustawestland.com. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ "New Ukraine tanks leave soldiers riled". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
- ↑ Украина выиграла тендер на поставку 200 танков "Оплот" в Таиланд. Segodnya.ua (in Russian).
- ↑ Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry (2014-06-30). "Thailand considers medium-range SAM purchase - IHS Jane's 360". Janes.com. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ logieng (2014-07-01). "ทบ.จัดหา SAM ระยะกลาง-ไกล 1 ระบบ". Thaiarmedforce.com. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
- ↑ DSCA UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter
- ↑ Embraer Press Release Embraer sign contracts with the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy
- ↑ Flight International Thailand buys third ERJ-135
- ↑ DTI – Preechathavorn Industry prototype armored car type 8X8
- ↑ DTI-1G
- ↑ Black Kite UAV
- ↑ "»×¹¡ÅÁ×Í/»×¹¡Å˹ѡã¹Âؤʧ¤ÃÒÁâÅ¡¤ÃÑ駷Õè1 áÅÐ 2". Weekendhobby.com. 2012-01-30. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
External links
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