The Architects of Power: Who arms Thailand?

Be wary of statements on social media seeking to justify the border crisis as American manipulation aimed at supplying more weapons to Thailand. While this is not impossible, it remains highly unlikely, as the US is already the leading supplier and American motivations seem to be more focused on economic stability and even Trump's desire for recognition as a ‘peace power’.

It is true that in the shadow of Southeast Asia's economic development, Thailand has established itself as a major military player, pursuing an ambitious and diversified equipment policy. Who are the suppliers of the modern arsenal that equips the kingdom's armed forces today?

The United States: the traditional partner

The United States dominates the market for firearms and light equipment.

 Between 2005 and 2022, Thailand imported more than 795,000 American firearms, representing 21.5% of US global exports in this category.

Manufacturers such as Sig Sauer are particularly active in the police and internal security sector through massive contracts, while sales to the military sector fluctuate according to diplomatic relations.

Sweden: rising power with Saab

Since 2011, Thailand has acquired Gripen JAS-39 fighter jets from Sweden's Saab. In 2024, it opened negotiations to modernise and strengthen this arsenal with the Gripen E/F version.

This partnership is marked by technology transfer requirements, with the aim of promoting mutual economic interests and Saab's long-term presence in Thailand.

Diversification towards the East: China and Russia

Thailand is gradually moving away from its exclusive allegiance to Washington and turning towards China and Russia.

Beijing supplies helicopters, armoured vehicles and submarines, while Moscow, through its arms dealers based in Bangkok, offers combat helicopters and other heavy equipment.

This desire for diversification is as much a diplomatic strategy to maintain a balance as it is a response to competitive costs and the absence of restrictive political conditions.

Europe: France, Italy, United Kingdom

European manufacturers such as Thales (France), BAE Systems (United Kingdom) and Leonardo (Italy, formerly Finmeccanica) are present at arms fairs in Bangkok.

They provide advanced solutions in the fields of air defence, electronic surveillance and military transport.

French equipment, although less extensive than that of the American and Asian giants, is nevertheless recognised for its technology, particularly in the naval and communications sectors.

Israel

Thailand and Israel have signed an agreement to locally produce two variants of the Israeli Spike guided missile: the Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) and the Spike ER (Extended Range). This agreement involves a technology transfer between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli company, and the Thai Defence Technology Institute (DTI).

Production of components is said to have begun in Thailand. Since 2020, Thailand has already acquired the Spike MR version from Rafael, which is used by its 6th Infantry Division

Other notable players

South Korea and Germany are also involved through sales of training aircraft, armoured vehicles and surveillance systems. Thailand's increased military spending has created opportunities for around 40 supplier countries in recent tenders.

Thailand justifies its growing expenditure (more than 1.5% of GDP, or almost the entire public budget outside education) by the need to modernise its obsolete forces and protect itself against regional tensions.

Competition between suppliers, encouraged by the government, aims to maximise technology transfers and the development of a local defence industry.

Thailand's ‘arsenal’ of weapons today reflects a strategy of balancing international alliances with the assertion of growing autonomy.

Ultimately, Thailand is mastering the art of geopolitical balancing, navigating between major powers to serve its own agenda – a complex and fascinating game of armed brinkmanship.