As reported by Russian social media on October 12, 2023, the 6th Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 3rd Division of the 2nd Army of the Thai Ground Forces has taken delivery of a batch of 12 Chinese VT-4 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), manufactured by China’s North Industries Corporation (Norinco).
In 2022, Thailand’s existing tank inventory included 38 Chinese VT-4s, complemented by 283 American tanks comprising 53 M60A1s, 125 M60A3s, and 105 M48A5s. Additionally, the Thai Ground Forces had 49 Ukrainian T-84 Oplot tanks, while 50 Chinese Type 69 tanks were in storage.
The VT-4, known as the export version of the MBT-3000 Main Battle Tank, is a product of China’s NORINCO (China North Industries Group Corporation) and was unveiled for the first time at the French International Defense Exhibition Eurosatory in June 2012.