New Clashes At Thailand-Cambodia Border: A Comprehensive Military Comparison

Royal Thai Army soldiers patrol along the Thai-Cambodian border

Thailand has initiated air strikes along its contested border with Cambodia, according to military statements, following mutual accusations of violating a ceasefire that had been mediated by US President Donald Trump.

Ongoing tensions have escalated since Thailand suspended de-escalation protocols last month after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine in what Bangkok claims is a series of incidents involving newly placed mines by Cambodian forces. Cambodia firmly denies these allegations.

BUDGETS AND GROUND PERSONNEL

Cambodia operates with a defense budget of $1.3 billion for 2024 and maintains 124,300 active military personnel. The country's armed forces were formed in 1993 through consolidating the former Communist military with two resistance armies.

The Cambodian army represents the largest component with approximately 75,000 soldiers, supported by over 200 battle tanks and roughly 480 artillery pieces.

Thailand, designated as a major non-NATO ally by the United States, possesses a substantial and well-resourced military with a defense allocation of $5.73 billion for 2024 and more than 360,000 active personnel.

The Thai army encompasses 245,000 personnel, including an estimated 115,000 conscripts, equipped with approximately 400 battle tanks, over 1,200 armored personnel carriers, and around 2,600 artillery weapons.

Additionally, the Thai army maintains its own aircraft fleet consisting of passenger planes, helicopters including numerous US-manufactured Black Hawks, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

AIR FORCES

Cambodia's air force comprises 1,500 personnel with a modest aircraft inventory that includes 10 transport planes and 10 transport helicopters.

While lacking fighter aircraft, Cambodia possesses 16 multi-role helicopters, specifically six Soviet-era Mi-17s and 10 Chinese Z-9s.

Thailand boasts one of Southeast Asia's most advanced and best-trained air forces, with approximately 46,000 personnel and 112 combat-capable aircraft. This includes 28 F-16s and 11 Swedish Gripen fighter jets, alongside dozens of helicopters.

NAVIES

The Cambodian navy consists of approximately 2,800 personnel, including 1,500 naval infantry, operating 13 patrol and coastal combat vessels and one amphibious landing craft.

Thailand's navy is considerably larger with nearly 70,000 personnel, encompassing naval aviation, marines, coastal defense units, and conscripts.

Thailand's naval assets include one aircraft carrier, seven frigates, and 68 patrol and coastal combat vessels. The fleet also features several amphibious and landing ships capable of transporting hundreds of troops each, plus 14 smaller landing craft.

Thailand's naval aviation division operates its own aircraft fleet including helicopters and UAVs, and is complemented by a marine corps of 23,000 personnel supported by dozens of armored fighting vehicles.