Thailand’s Chaiseri Increasingly Focused on International Market

Interview with Kan Koolhiran, CEO of Chaiseri

Of Chaiseri’s portfolio, what models of various vehicles are being showcased
at Defense & Security 2025?

-AWAV 8x8 armored (Armored Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle)  

- First Win AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle)

-First Win ARV (Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)

-Guadian-T 8x8

-First Win HISAAR

-First Win HMV (High Mobility Vehicle)

-The Ridgeback 4x4 (SOV) Special operation vehicle

-First win Ambulance

Are other agencies or armed forces of other countries interested in the
AWAV 8x8?

AWAV 8x8 is born for an assault amphibious operation. During operation, troops are unprotected during the duration of the embark from the LCU ship to shore. AWAV 8x8 has a water speed of more than 12 km/hr. This helps minimize the risk of being shot by half.
As an armored wheeled vehicle, it can maneuver fast on land to the destination. Due to its unique capabilities, it has attracted interest from Marines, especially in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

What are Chaiseri’s hopes and expectations from Defense & Security
2025?

Chaiseri expects to raise global awareness among armed forces, not only
about Chaiseri as a platform manufacturer but also Thailand as a major
defence industry base.

Does Chaiseri have plans to develop other vehicles, in addition to the various 4x4 and 8x8 vehicles currently produced?

We believe that each platform has its own advantages, depending on the
end-user strategy. We are not only moving forward to diversify the 4x4
and 8x8 platforms to suit the specific requirements of the end user in current
asymmetric warfare, but also developing wheeled 6x6 and tracked vehicles to
close the technology gap and to meet end-user demand for customization. We have produced and delivered several hundred armored and non-armored vehicles to both Thai territory and international territories. Currently, we have successfully set up locations overseas for co-production. The next overseas production facility will be completed
within 2026.

Can you please talk about technology collaborations or other international partnerships that Chaiseri has undertaken?

We are working closely to develop our platform in conjunction with other partners. We have proven technology eg. Laser, E/O, sound target detection sensor / Turret, fire control system, RCWS from armament .50 cal HMG, 40mm AGL, 30 mm, 105 mm and also
C2 command and control BMS (battle management system).

Chaiseri is considered the largest manufacturer of military armored vehicles in the country. What are you doing to expand Chaiseri’s factories?

The Chaiseri group has two manufacturing facilities at Bangkok outskirts (Pathumthani), with production areas spanning 140,000 sqm and 80,000 sqm respectively. We are in the process of establishing our third facility in the north of Bangkok, Saraburi area (1 hour from
Bangkok). The facility will have a production area of 200,000 sqm. The third facility will be ready for operations in 2026.

How focused is Chaiseri on the international market? What competitive techniques does Chaiseri use to expand its footprint?

Maintaining production and ensuring that there are enough jobs for our staff are my responsibility. Diversifying markets and territories is key to making our production facilities stay alive. Currently, 65% of our production is being exported. Although Chaiseri remains a
relatively small company compared to major prime contractors in the defense industry, we have a unique capability for customizing bespoke vehicles/products to meet end-user requirements. We have a strong commitment to customers in after-sales service. We have
maintenance teams to help customers with our products, especially in Southeast Asia.

Regarding the recently clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, how is Chaiseri supporting the military to protect national sovereignty?

As a Thai company, it is our duty to support the country during a difficult period. There are some things that others cannot do that we can, with our expertise. We provide spare parts for logistics support, and our maintenance team has been permanently deployed at the border to ensure the reliability of Royal Thai Armed Forces asset. We also deploy First Win 4x4 converted into a drone command platform to provide safety and to boost the morale of drone pilots during operations.