Thailand Deploys T-84 Oplot Tanks in First Combat Engagement Against Cambodia

The Royal Thai Army has deployed Ukrainian-made T-84 Oplot main battle tanks in combat for the first time against Cambodian forces along the border, as reported by local media and military analysts. This engagement took place on July 27, 2025, near the Phra Wihan base, amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Notable Thai military commentator Sompong Nondhasa shared on social media, “The Oplot cavalry – the knights of the battlefield – have joined the fight. The Royal Thai Army has employed Oplot tanks to bombard Cambodian positions at Phra Wihan Base this afternoon.”

Several pro-government news outlets in Bangkok have corroborated the deployment of T-84 Oplot-M tanks, characterizing it as a demonstration of military strength aimed at “recapturing lost territory.”

The T-84 Oplot is a significantly upgraded version of the Soviet-era T-80 tank, designed by the Morozov Kharkiv Machine-Building Design Bureau. Thailand placed an order for 49 units of this tank model in 2011. Featuring a modern fire control system, composite armor, and a 125mm smoothbore gun, the Oplots are regarded as the most sophisticated tanks in Thailand’s military inventory, according to defense officials.

While Thai media and analysts assert that this marks the first combat deployment of the Oplot tanks, independent verification of these claims remains elusive. The atmosphere on social media is rife with rumors and conflicting information, complicating the task of establishing factual accuracy. Nonetheless, it has been confirmed that several T-84 tanks have been moved to the border region in light of the ongoing conflict.