Thailand vs Cambodia: As border fight escalates, one army resembles a toy against the other's war machine; Military mismatch explained

Economic Times

25-07-2025

Synopsis
Recent armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, the worst in over a decade, have spotlighted their military disparity. Thailand, with a $5.73 billion defence budget and 360,000 personnel, dwarfs Cambodia's $1.3 billion budget and 124,300 troops. Thailand's air force boasts F-16 fighters, while Cambodia lacks fighter jets.
Thailand vs Cambodia: One has fighter jets, the other doesn't, the military gap that could decide the clash Tensions that had been simmering for months between Cambodia and Thailand erupted into armed conflict on Thursday, the worst skirmish between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade. With even a Thai F-16 fighter jet reportedly deployed, the latest flare-up has reignited interest in how the two countries compare militarily.Here's a breakdown of the military capabilities of Cambodia and Thailand, based on data from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Cambodia maintains a defence budget of $1.3 billion and fields 124,300 active personnel. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, formed in 1993 through a merger of former Communist and resistance groups, rely heavily on ground troops. The Cambodian army consists of around 75,000 soldiers, supported by 200+ battle tanks and 480 artillery units.In contrast, Thailand boasts a significantly larger and better-funded force. With a 2024 defence budget of $5.73 billion and over 360,000 active personnel, Thailand's military dwarfs its neighbour's. The Thai army alone has 245,000 personnel, including 115,000 conscripts, and is equipped with 400 tanks, 1,200+ armoured personnel carriers, and 2,600 artillery systems.Cambodia's air force is relatively modest, just 1,500 personnel, 10 transport planes, and 10 helicopters. It doesn't operate any fighter jets. The most notable aircraft in its fleet include 16 multi-role helicopters, with six Soviet-era Mi-17s and 10 Chinese Z-9s.
On the other hand, Thailand's air force is among the best equipped in the region. With 46,000 personnel, it commands 112 combat-capable aircraft, including 28 F-16 Fighting Falcons and 11 Swedish Gripens. Its arsenal also includes surveillance drones and a fleet of transport and attack helicopters, including several U.S.-made Black Hawks.Cambodia's navy is modest, with 2,800 personnel (including 1,500 naval infantry), 13 patrol/coastal vessels, and a single amphibious landing craft.Thailand's navy is a maritime heavyweight by comparison. With nearly 70,000 personnel, it includes naval aviation, coastal defence units, marines, and conscripts. Its fleet features:
1 aircraft carrier
7 frigates
68 patrol and coastal vessels
Amphibious ships and landing craft capable of transporting hundreds of troops
Its marine corps alone has 23,000 troops, supported by armoured vehicles and aviation assets such as helicopters and UAVs. While Cambodia has made steady investments in its armed forces, it remains significantly outmatched by Thailand in terms of manpower, equipment, and budget. Thailand's position as a major non-NATO ally of the United States ensures access to high-end military hardware and training.
Inputs from Reuters