Ukrainian armored vehicles mobilized after exchange of attacks between Thailand and Cambodia in disputed region
The Royal Thai Army has begun mobilizing its BTR-3E1 armored combat vehicles to the Poipet-Klong Lek border crossing region in response to escalating conflict with Cambodia.
A video posted on social media platform X by user @war_noir shows Thai BTR-3E1 armored vehicles moving in the border region. The footage shows a version equipped with the BM-3 Shturm combat module, which includes a 30 mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon and Barrier-V anti-tank missile launchers.
Ukrainian-made fleet strengthens Thailand’s defensive position
Thailand currently operates around 230 BTR-3E1 vehicles in different variants. The first batch was acquired from Ukraine in 2006, totaling 96 vehicles, including troop transport versions, ambulances, mortar launchers (81 mm and 120 mm), anti-tank missile platforms, and command and maintenance units.
Subsequently, a second batch of 121 vehicles was acquired for about 5 billion baht. In 2010, the Royal Thai Navy ordered another 14 vehicles adapted for the Marines, with MTU engines and Edison transmissions. In 2013, an additional contract for 21 vehicles was signed, with part of the production locally installed in Thailand.
Conflict reignites historical tensions on Thai-Cambodian border
The mobilization of BTR-3E1s officially began on July 24, 2025, when the first hostilities broke out between Thailand and Cambodia in the disputed border region.
That day saw an exchange of airstrikes and artillery bombardments. According to Thai authorities, Cambodian forces struck a military base near the ancient temple of Ta Muen Thom, located in a contested sovereignty area between the southern Thai province of Surin and northwestern Cambodia.
Thai military officials also claim Cambodia used armed drones before advancing with ground troops. The Cambodian government, on the other hand, denies the accusations and says the Thais initiated the confrontation with artillery fire.
The situation remains tense, and international observers fear a broader escalation of the conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Source: Militarnyi | Images: X @war_noir. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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