Thailand outmatches Cambodia in military strength amid border conflict

Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in a conflict over territory that has been disputed since the colonial era, particularly following the border drawn by France over a century ago. Current tensions arise from active military confrontations along their shared border, with Thailand benefiting from a considerably larger and well-funded military. As of now, Thailand boasts 361,000 active-duty personnel across its military branches, a figure that is three times that of Cambodia's smaller, less experienced armed forces, which were officially established in 1993 through the merging of communist and non-communist factions. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has noted that Thailand's military is not only vast but also better equipped, featuring modern weapons systems, including 11 Swedish-built Gripen fighter jets and numerous US-made aircraft such as F-16 and F-5 jets. The Thai army has an extensive array of tanks, including modern Chinese VT-4 models, and it relies on superior artillery capabilities with hundreds of artillery pieces at its disposal. The disparity in military strength is reflective of the significantly larger population and GDP of Thailand compared to Cambodia, as even military analysts consider Cambodia a minor power in the region, comparable to countries like Bangladesh and Laos. Thailand's longstanding military relationship with the United States has further enhanced its defense capabilities. Designated as a major non-NATO ally by the US, Thailand receives substantial military aid and has participated in many joint military exercises, such as the well-known Cobra Gold exercise, which is recognized as the world's longest-running international military exercise. Thailand has also diversified its arms supply sources, establishing a robust domestic defense industry, aided by partnerships with countries like Israel, Russia, and South Korea. In contrast, Cambodia's military, while benefiting from close ties to China, struggles with its limited capabilities. The Cambodian armed forces continue to seek support from China, which has assured them of strong relations in the military sector. With allegations of Cambodian forces deploying landmines and other traps in the disputed areas, the situation remains precarious, and Thailand is likely to rely heavily on its aerial capabilities. The Royal Thai Air Force's superiority is a vital factor that influences the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, as military strategists predict Thailand will prioritize utilizing its advanced air power and artillery in any further confrontations.