The Army Chief acknowledged the need to review and adjust the military equipment procurement plan following the Thailand-Cambodia border situation. He pointed out that the plan must align with modernization efforts and follow the principle of repairing what can be fixed first. He affirmed the importance of maintaining troop morale.
On 3 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at the Government House, General Chaiyapruk Duangpraphat, the Army Chief of Staff, spoke about the Prime Minister's directive concerning the 2027 fiscal year arms procurement. He stated that procurement must correspond to threats and situations. Although the military already has procurement plans, the Thailand-Cambodia situation requires reconsidering these plans to modernize and align the army with current conditions.
Regarding the 2027 procurement focusing on defensive or offensive military equipment, General Chaiyapruk said that the entire system must be reviewed, including long-range and short-range weapons as well as personal weapons carried by troops. The military needs time to inspect which types of equipment are still lacking and require procurement.
General Chaiyapruk stated that the army prioritizes repairing military equipment before purchasing new items. Whatever can be repaired will be fixed first. However, if there is a necessity to procure equipment for modernization and to meet current situations, these must be planned in advance.
On the policy of troop welfare, the Army Chief of Staff emphasized it as a crucial matter. It is a government and military policy stressing that troops must be prepared with good morale, training capabilities, and appropriate personal equipment.