Why Thailand, a US treaty ally, is stocking up on Chinese weapons

Thailand has agreed to buy about 20 more Chinese-made VN-1 armoured vehicles for 1 billion baht under its 2025 defence budget, adding to its existing fleet of over 100 units. The move comes amid a border dispute with Cambodia and aims to strengthen front-line infantry support. NTU’s Assoc ProfKei Koga said the purchase is “largely business as usual”, reflecting Thailand’s pragmatic military modernisation rather than a strategic shift, noting that Chinese systems are competitively priced and readily available.

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