Thailand is ordering another batch of Chinese VN1 wheeled armored combat vehicles, which are displacing Ukrainian BTR-3s there. This is despite problems arising with VT-4 tanks from the same manufacturer Norinco company.
As stated in a message from Thailand's embassy military attaché office in China, the corresponding contract was signed January 11. According to publicly available information, 987 million Thai baht or $29.1 million was allocated for procurement in fiscal year 2025.
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This will already be the fourth batch of VN1 family armored vehicles purchased by the country, known under export designation ZBL-08. 111 vehicles have already arrived in 5 modifications: armored personnel carrier (shown inside earlier), medical evacuation vehicle, 120mm SM4A self-propelled mortar, VS27 armored recovery vehicle, and VE36 command vehicle. The first contract was signed in 2017, with deliveries beginning in 2021.
Interestingly, the new procurement may include ST1 tank destroyers armed with 105mm guns. Defense Studies concludes this from the fact that 2nd Cavalry Battalion of 2nd Division received replacement for all equipment except V-150 wheeled tanks.
Defense Express notes that purchasing Chinese armored personnel carriers was planned for some time, so contract signing was expected. After all, this is modern equipment that clearly satisfied Thai military desires.
However, worth mentioning: recently in Thailand, VT-4 tanks were criticized, showing low reliability and short barrel life during combat operations against Cambodia. Their manufacturer is the same Chinese Norinco that makes VN1.
Of course, revealed problems may be exaggerated, but visual evidence exists so to some extent this is real. On the other hand, shortcomings may concern only tanks, while wheeled APCs are fine, as these are quite different equipment types.
Either way, we're looking at good proof that Thailand continues transitioning to Chinese weaponry, displacing products from other countries. This includes Ukrainian BTR-3s, which moved to other units while previous ones received VN1s.
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