The army is expected to procure more armaments from Russia, particularly tanks, following the Moscow visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, an army source who is close to the visit said.
The Royal Thai Army has set up a committee to consider buying tanks from Russia, China and Ukraine.
The army also wanted to buy more MI-17 helicopters in addition to the four aircraft of this type which were bought previously to replace the UH-1H helicopters which had been in use for 30-40 years.
"Although Gen Prawit did not make any deal on military armaments during his visit, the two counties have reached an agreement on military technical and technological cooperation which could lead to Thailand buying more weapons from Russia, particularly tanks," the source said.
Gen Prawit said on Sunday Thailand and Russia have agreed to increase exchanges of personnel and cooperation on military training.
He was speaking at Don Mueang military airport on his return from Russia and Belarus, which he visited between Feb 23-27.
On Russia's proposal to set up an arms production plant in Thailand, Gen Prawit said the issue needs further discussion and he believes Thailand would benefit in terms of military technology from the proposal.
Gen Prawit said no talks were directly held about buying armaments from Russia.
However, Thailand showed an interest in buying aircraft and equipment for fighting forest fires and mitigation of natural disasters, and at the same time offered to sell its agricultural products such as rice and rubber.
Gen Prawit said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was scheduled to go to Russia in May, so he had made preparations for the prime minister's visit.
In Russia, he received a warm welcome from the prime minister and defence minister. They discussed economic and security cooperation.
Police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and military officers who were on the trip had a chance to see Russia's security system, counter-terrorism techniques and techniques for battling transnational crime.
Asked about suggestions the National Council for Peace and Order and the government were leaning toward China and Russia on the international relations front, Gen Prawit said Thailand is free to make friends with every country.
"The prime minister has visited the United States. He will also visit China and Russia. We are not anyone's enemy," he added.