BANGKOK, Sept 12 (TNA) — Representatives of Thai and American armies attended a ceremony to accept 10 Stryker armoured personnel carriers that formed the first lot of 70 carriers worth 3.7 billion baht that the Thai army ordered from the United States.
The representatives included Thai army commander-in-chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong and United States Army Pacific commander Gen Robert Brown.
Thailand is the first country to receive used Stryker carriers from the US. Delivered carriers were modified to suit Thai terrains.
Thailand will pay for 37 carriers worth 3.71 billion baht and the US will give away 23 others. The US refurbished the carriers before delivery.
The Stryker carriers will be deployed at the 11th Infantry Division that will be a model of small and efficient forces of the army.
Gen Brown said capable and fast Stryker carriers served the purpose well and he did not think the procurement would concern China.
Gen Apirat said Stryker carriers would better protect soldiers and could also be applied to help people. The procurement and special offer by the US resulted from good bilateral ties, the Thai army chief said. (TNA)
