Thailand to buy more Chinese tanks

— Thailand’s army is planning to acquire 14 battle tanks from China at a cost of more than 2.3 billion baht ($ 72 million), a local report said Monday.

Thailand has previously bought 39 of the same VT-4 tanks from China in 2016 and 2017 to compliment its aging tank battalions.

The Bangkok Post quoted the army’s procurement committee as saying that the VT-4 have performed well since being acquired.

The Thai army is now seeking cabinet approval from the ruling military junta to go ahead with the deal.

Thailand has stepped up arms deals with both China and Russia since a military coup in 2014.