Thailand’s Military Might Dwarfs Cambodia’s Arsenal

Regional Power Disparity Highlighted in Strategic Balance

Thailand’s military capabilities significantly outstrip those of its neighbor, Cambodia, across personnel, weaponry, and international cooperation. This disparity is underscored by extensive modern equipment and active participation in global defense exercises.

Overwhelming Personnel Advantage

The Royal Thai Armed Forces boasts a substantial active-duty force of 361,000 personnel, more than triple the manpower of Cambodia’s military. This numerical superiority extends to materiel, where Thailand maintains a considerable edge.

Air Superiority and Modern Fleets

Thailand’s air force is exceptionally equipped, featuring at least 11 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, alongside dozens of US-manufactured F-16 and F-5 aircraft. In stark contrast, Cambodia lacks any combat-capable air assets. The Thai air force also operates American Cobra attack helicopters and 18 US Black Hawk transport helicopters, while Cambodia’s helicopter fleet consists of older Soviet and Chinese models.

“Thailand has a large, well-funded military and its air force is one of the best equipped and trained in Southeast Asia.”

—International Institute for Strategic Studies, Military Balance 2025

Land Dominance in Tanks and Artillery

On the ground, Thailand commands a formidable armored force, including 60 modern Chinese VT-4 battle tanks and hundreds of older US tanks. Cambodia’s tank inventory comprises approximately 200 older Chinese and Soviet models. Artillery numbers also favor Thailand, with over 600 pieces, including 56 advanced 155mm systems and more than 550 105mm towed guns. Cambodia possesses only about a dozen 155mm guns and around 400 smaller towed artillery pieces.

Strategic Alliances and Domestic Industry

Designated a major non-NATO ally by the United States, Thailand has benefited from decades of US support for its defense programs. Concurrently, Bangkok has cultivated stronger ties with China and developed a robust domestic weapons industry with assistance from nations including Israel, Italy, Russia, South Korea, and Sweden, according to the IISS report.

Global Military Engagement

The Thai military actively participates in international exercises, most notably the annual Cobra Gold drills. Co-hosted with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Cobra Gold, initiated in 1982, has grown to include numerous other nations and is recognized by the US military as the world’s longest-running multinational military exercise. In 2023, the exercise saw participation from over 30 countries, demonstrating Thailand’s significant role in regional security cooperation.