ABSTRACT
Thailand has a complicated security environment due to its location and geostrategic landscape. The emerging external threat from Hanoi in the later phase of the Cold War caused Bangkok to build up its armed forces for conventional warfare on land. Afterwards, the threat formed the foundation for military modernisation. Following waves of build-ups, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) made further expansions to their capabilities more gradually, and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) took a more dramatic path in the post-Cold War era. The RTA and RTAF indeed modernised and strengthened their key capabilities but now face challenges such as logistics and ageing. Meanwhile, the RTN comprises swiftly added and lost aviation capabilities and is contending with a structural dilemma, as well as the difficulty in establishing an underwater force. The diverse trajectories of the Thai armed forces signify Bangkok's security concerns and other considerations: the country has fewer challenges on land and more interest in the maritime sphere. The balance of force with neighbouring countries has not notably deteriorated, although Myanmar has caught up in some capabilities. Therefore, Bangkok has time for reforms and adjustments.
