The Royal Thai Army has signed a follow-on deal with China’s NORINCO for more VN1 8×8 armored vehicles, continuing its multi-phase procurement program after receiving 111 units across various variants.
The Royal Thai Army has signed a follow-on agreement with China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) to purchase additional VN1 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles during an official visit to Beijing on January 11, according to the Royal Thai Embassy. The signing took place at NORINCO’s headquarters and was attended by the Director-General of Thailand’s Army Ordnance Department, who led the delegation, along with Zhang Xin, NORINCO’s chief representative in Thailand. Senior NORINCO officials, including Vice President Liu Jinkui, were also present.
The new deal expands Thailand’s existing VN1 fleet, which has already been acquired through three procurement phases. In Thailand’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, around 987 million Thai baht (about $31 million) was allocated for another batch of VN1-series vehicles, giving an indication of the scale of the latest order.
The VN1 is an 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle developed by NORINCO and used by several countries. Its modular design allows it to be configured for multiple roles, including troop transport, fire support, command and control, logistics, and specialized missions. So far, the Royal Thai Army has received 111 VN1-family vehicles, including standard armored personnel carriers, SM4A 120 mm self-propelled mortars, VS27 armored recovery vehicles, VE36 command vehicles, and ambulance variants.
The Embassy confirmed that the agreement was signed under a government-to-government framework, with Thailand’s Army Ordnance Department representing Bangkok and NORINCO acting on behalf of China. NORINCO is a state-owned defense company under the Chinese government.
Documents also show that Thailand submitted a request in early 2024 for a fourth procurement phase of NORINCO-built 8×8 vehicles. If approved, this phase could include new variants such as the ST1 105 mm wheeled tank destroyer based on the VN1 chassis, intended to replace older U.S.-supplied V-150 armored vehicles used by Thai cavalry units.
The VN1 program reflects Thailand’s broader shift toward Chinese defense equipment in recent years, particularly in armored vehicles, rocket systems, and support platforms. The latest contract builds on earlier agreements covering training, maintenance, and logistics.
Although the exact number of vehicles in the new deal was not disclosed, Thailand’s previous budget allocation provides an estimate of its size. The agreement highlights Thailand’s continued focus on improving mobility, border security, and mechanized infantry capabilities, while also underlining the deepening defense relationship between Thailand and China.
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