Royal Thai Army

Royal Thai Army กองทัพบกไทย (RTGS: Kongthap Bok Thai)
125px Emblem of the Royal Thai Army
Active	1874
Country	Thailand
Allegiance	HM The King
Type	Army
Size	190,000 (Estimated)
Part of	Royal Thai Armed Forces
Garrison/HQ	Bangkok
Motto	เพื่อชาติ ศาสน์ กษัตริย์ และประชาชน ("For the Nation, Religions, King, and People")
Colours	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 Teerachai Narkvanich
Notable commanders	Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena Plaek Pibulsonggram Sarit Dhanarajata Thanom Kittikachorn Prem Tinsulanonda Chavalit Yongchaiyudh Suchinda Kraprayoon Surayud Chulanont Sonthi Boonyaratglin Prayut Chan-o-cha
Insignia
Royal Thai Army Flag	125px
Unit Colour

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) (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.

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.

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 to concentrate on political reform which he said would take at least a year, following which he promised national elections would be held.

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 persons, 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 persons and a reception hall. The basement car park is designed to accommodate 400 vehicles.

Command and control

The Royal Thai Army is commanded by the Commander of the Royal Thai Army (ผู้บัญชาการทหารบกไทย). The current commander is General Teerachai Nakwanich, who was confirmed by royal appointment to take over the top post effective 1 October 2015. The Royal Thai Army headquarters is on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Commander-in-Chief: General Teerachai Nakwanich
• 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.

List of commanders

Main article: List of Commanders of the Royal Thai Army

Structure

Royal Thai Armed Forces M60A1 battle tanks manoeuvre to an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise at a training centre in Ban Chan Krem, Thailand, 21 February 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 – 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

• Second Army – headquartered in Nakhon Ratchasima and is responsible for the northeastern quadrant.
  • 3rd, 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 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. 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."

The creation of the 15th Infantry Division was announced in January 2005. 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.

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."

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.

The 1st Artillery Bataillion, King's Guard in the procession of Princess Galyani Vadhana's royal urn

The Royal Guards form several separate regiments within these formations.

Tactical units

Thai and US Army troops practice tactical manoeuvres during exercise Cobra Gold 2006 in Lopburi.

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, with 110 years of service having been honoured by issue of a series of commemorative stamps.

Air Division

UH-60L Black Hawk during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

Mil Mi-17 V5 during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

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.

UH-60L Black Hawk during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

• 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.

AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter during air show at Don Mueang Air Force Base

• 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 and insignia

Main article: Military ranks of the Thai armed forces

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).
	Beretta 92	Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum	Italy
	Heckler & Koch USP	Semi-automatic pistol	.45ACP	Germany	Used by special forces.
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
	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.
	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
	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.
	CAR-15	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	US
	M4A1 Carbine	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	US	Used by special forces, some equipped with SOPMOD kit.
	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.
	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.
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 Royal 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 rifles
	M14 rifle	Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	US
120px	SIG Sauer SSG 3000	Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	Switzerland
120px	SR-25	Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	US
Machine guns
	Heckler & Koch HK21	Light machine gun	5.56×45mm NATO	Germany
	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.
	Type 56 LMG	Light machine gun	7.62×39mm	China	Used in small numbers mainly by the Thahan Phran. Former Thai Communist machine gun.
120px	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
	Mk 19 grenade launcher	Automatic grenade launcher		US
Anti-Tank
	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
120px	M40 recoilless rifle	Recoilless rifle		US
	M72 LAW	Anti-tank rocket launcher		US
	M47 Dragon	Anti-tank guided missile	500	US
	BGM-71 TOW	Anti-tank guided missile		US
Anti-Aircraft
	HN-5A	Man-portable air-defence system	90	China
	9K38 Igla-S	Man-portable air-defence system	48	Russia	Part of order placed in 2010.

Vehicles

Armoured fighting vehicles

Photo	Model	Type	Quantity	Origin	Notes
Tanks
	T-84 Oplot-M	Main Battle Tank	10 (+39)	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). Five to be delivered on 5 February 2014, 20 will be delivered in early-2015.
120px	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
120px	FV101 Scorpion CVR(T)	Light tank	128	UK
	Stingray light tank	Light tank	106	US
Armoured Vehicles
	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.
	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.
	BTR-3E1	Infantry fighting vehicle/Armoured personnel carrier	223 (+21)	Ukraine	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. Third order of 21 announced in August 2013.
	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
	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.
	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
	M578 LRV	Armored recovery vehicle	Unknown	US
120px	FV106 Samson	Armored recovery vehicle	Unknown	UK
120px	FV105 Sultan	Armored command vehicle	Unknown	UK
	Bronco ATTC	Amphibious armoured vehicle	Unknown	Singapore	Troop carrier variant. Used by engineers.

Utility and logistical vehicles

Photo	Model	Type	Quantity	Origin	Notes
Utility vehicles
	M50,M51 Chaiprakarn	Military light utility vehicle	+2,200	Thailand
	TR MUV4	Military light utility vehicle	N/A	Thailand
120px	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.
120px	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.
	UNIMOG	Medium	+1,500	Germany	RTA use U1100/L 4x4, U1550 4x4, U2450/L 6x6, U2405 6x6.
	KrAZ-6322	Truck	less than 50	Ukraine
	LMTV	Tractor unit	+750	US	RTA have four series of LMTV, M1083, M1085, M1088, and M1089.

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	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 missiles
	SPADA	Surface-to-air missile	8 launcher	Italy
120px	Starstreak	Surface-to-air missile	8 launchers	UK	Ordered in 2012
	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	0(+6)	Israel Thailand	Thai ATMOS 2000 is produced under license.
	M109A5	155 mm self-propelled howitzer	20	US
	GHN-45	155 mm towed howitzer	92	Austria
120px	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	20	US	Total 56 in service. Twenty active and 36 decommissioned in 2013. 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.
	LG1 Mk II	105 mm towed howitzer	24 Mk ll 18 Mk l	France	Mk l from Singapore Army.
120px	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
	M1 mortar	81 mm mortar		US
	M29 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
120px	M167 VADS	20 mm towed anti-aircraft gun	24	US
	M55 Quadmount	4 x M2HB machine guns	24	US
	M3 Half-track	4 x M2HB machine guns	72	US	M16 MGMC series

Radar systems

Air search radars

Photo	Model	Type	Quantity	Origin	Notes
	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

Photo	Model	Type	Quantity	Origin	Notes
	AN/TPQ-36(V)11	Firefinder radar	5	US
	BL-904A	Firefinder radar	0 (+2)	China	Two 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	US	7	Serial numbers 9996, 9997, 9998. Serial number 9999 lost in 2001 crash. Four more of the same model were ordered in 2005. RTA also has another three AH-1F in storage for spare parts.
	Eurocopter Fennec AS550 C3	France	8	Gunships.
	Sikorsky UH-60L/M Blackhawk (S-70A-43)	US	9 L 3(+4)M	Serial numbers 6927, 6928, 6929, 7002, 7003, 7025, and 7026. Three more UH-60Ls and three more UH-60Ms 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
120px	Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota	US	0 (+6)
	Bell UH-1H Iroquois	US	52	From US military aid during Vietnam War. Some were bought by RTA through Excess defence articles. Total delivered from 1968–2004: 174. Less than 50% air-worthy. All operable UH-1Hs are in use by three RTA airmobile companies.
120px	AgustaWestland AW139	Italy	2 (+8)	For VIPs.
	Eurocopter EC145	France	0 (+6)	For VIPs.
	Boeing CH-47D Chinook	US	6
	Mil Mi-17-V5	Russia	3 (+2)	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.
	Bell 212	US	52	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	US	27	Both the Bell 206A and Bell 206B are in use.
	Schweizer S-300C	US	54	For observation and training
	Enstrom 480B	US	16	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 aeroplanes is no longer in service.
	British Aerospace Jetstream 41	UK	2	Serial numbers 41060 and 41094. Based with the VIP unit at Don Mueang Airport.
	Beechcraft 1900C-1	US	2	Serial numbers 0169 and 0170. Based with the VIP unit at Don Mueang Airport.
	Beechcraft Super King Air 200	US	2	Serial numbers 0342 and 1165. Based at the Lopburi Army complex.
	IAI Searcher	Israel	4 Mk l 3 Mk ll
	AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven	US	12 (+120)

Future procurement

Ground forces

• 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. However, the RTA had yet to make an official announcement.

• New missile systems – The RTA want surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles with Royal Thai Army choosing HIMARS and VL MICA.

• New self-propelled artillery – The RTA purchase ATMOS 2000.
• Surface-to-air missile procurement – On 1 July 2014 it was reported that the RTA is considering buying a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

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.

• ERJ-135 – The RTA signed a contract with Embraer to purchase an ERJ-135 for VIP transport. On 12 January 2009, Royal Thai Army signed a second contract to buy another aircraft for VIP and medivac use.

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	Siam	Bolt-action rifle	1903–?	?	Decided from Swedish Mauser and Gewehr 98.
Type 47 Siamese Mauser	Siam	Bolt-action rifle	1905–?	?	Decided from Swedish Mauser and Gewehr 98.
Type 46 Siamese Mauser	Siam	Bolt-action rifle	1904–?	?	Decided from Swedish Mauser and Gewehr 98.
Type 66 Siamese Mauser	Siam	Bolt-action rifle	1923–?	?	Decided of the Arisaka.
Type 38 Arisaka	Japan	Bolt-action rifle	1934–?	?
Type 99 Arisaka	Japan	Bolt-action rifle	1940–?	?
Springfield rifle	United States	Bolt-action rifle	1923–?	?
Lee–Metford Model 1888	UK	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-defence 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	150 mm field gun	1936–?	8
Bofors L/22 Model 1936	Sweden	105 mm field gun	1938–?	20
Bofors L/42 Model 1934	Sweden	105 mm field gun	1935–?	4
Bofors L/40 Model 1934	Sweden	75 mm field gun	1938–?	52
Type 63 Field gun	Siam	75 mm field gun	1920–?	?
Krupp L/30 Model 1903	German Empire	75 mm field gun	1908–?	?
Bofors L/20 Model 1929	Sweden	75 mm mountain gun	1934–?	8
Type 49 Krupp	German Empire	50 mm mountain gun	1906–1922	?
Type 77 Bofors Model 1934	Sweden	47 mm/75 mm dual purpose gun	1934–?	32
M1A1	United States	75 mm pack howitzer	1954–?	?
Type 76 Vicker Armstrong	United Kingdom	40 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun	1933–?	26
Bofors L/50 Model 1930	Sweden	75 mm 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 60 mm	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

• TV 5
• Channel 7 operated by BBTV

Satellite TV

• TGN

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