Chaiseri Selected for Thai Army IFV and APC Modernization

02 Januari 2026

Royal Thai Army (RTA)'s M113A3 armored personnel carriers (APCs) during field exercise in May 2024 (photo: Royal Thai Army)

The Defence Technology Institute (DTI), an agency under the Thai Ministry of Defence, published documents on its official website on November 14, 2025, announcing that Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co. Ltd. of Thailand is the winner of two projects for the Royal Thai Army, the projects include:

-the construction of an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) worth 74,300,000 baht ($2,333,836) and, 

-the repair, refurbishment, enhancement, and weapon system upgrade of the M113 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) series worth 39,900,000 baht ($1,253,357), respectively.

It is understood that the IFV for the Royal Thai Army is likely the K200 IFV development project. Hanwha Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thai Defense Industry Co., Ltd. (TDI) in early February 202.

K200A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) of Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) (photo: RoK Armed Forces)

TDI Thailand is a joint venture between DTI Thailand and Chaiseri Thailand, with the objective of supporting private sector arms exports to foreign countries through government-to-government agreements. They have a significant export track record, such as the 100 Hisaar 4x4 MRAP wheeled armored vehicles for the Pakistan Army (PA).

It is understood that Chaiseri Thailand is likely developing a prototype IFV (Integrated Combat Vehicle) for the Royal Thai Army in cooperation with DTI Thailand, but further details are not yet available. Meanwhile, the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier Servants modernization project aims to extend the lifespan, enhance capabilities, and upgrade the weapon systems of the vehicles currently in service with the Royal Thai Army, an area in which Chaiseri Thailand has expertise.

Currently, the Royal Thai Army has approximately 450 M113 armored vehicle (AM) of various models in service, which have been in service since around 1967. They are deployed in armored cavalry battalions, tracked cavalry reconnaissance battalions, and armored companies of infantry regiments. The newest M113A3 AM, acquired in 1997, is the main force of the 12th Infantry Regiment, Royal Guard, 2nd Infantry Division, Royal Guard.

(AAG)