What’s in the New Russia-Thailand Military Pact?

A new defense pact inked by the two sides deserves attention despite the few details that have emerged publicly so far.

By Prashanth Parameswaran

 

Last week, reports surfaced that Russia and Thailand had inked an agreement to boost military technology cooperation between them. Though no further details have been disclosed about the pact thus far, it nonetheless signifies the ongoing effort by both sides to further their defense ties.

 

As I have noted previously, though Thai-Russian defense collaboration is hardly new, cooperation between Moscow and Bangkok has been on the uptick in recent years (See: “What’s Next for Russia-Thailand Military Ties”). Thailand has been looking to boost relations with several other nations, including China and Russia, following a coup in May 2014, which initially complicated its ties with the United States and other Western nations (See: “Exclusive: Managing the Strained US-Thailand Alliance”).

 

Meanwhile, Russia under Vladimir Putin – ambitious abroad and increasingly isolated from the West — has been looking to boost its presence in the Asia-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia.

 

Full story: http://thediplomat.com/2017/09/whats-in-the-new-russia-thailand-military-pact/

 

-- THE DIPLOMAT 2017-09-21

You tend to be judged by who. your friends are.  Be careful Mr PM.

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Russia and Thailand had inked an agreement to boost military technology cooperation between them.

Will that include help from the Russians to get Prayut elected PM in the next election?

They both enjoy food. The pact is that Thais will feed the ruskies some somtam and the ruskies will feed the Thais borsch. Pretty simple.

Amongst the amazingly kalaidascopic selection of kit the RTA has are some Russian ( some Ukrainian made but still Russian designs) weapon systems, helicopters and armoured vehicles.

They could be broken and need fixing?

19 hours ago, webfact said:

"......boost military technology cooperation between them

Thailand has no military technology that Russia does not already have so where's the quid pro quo for Russia?

And Russia would certainly not give anything away without getting something in return. This is very strange deal and has all the intrigue and mystery of an Austin Powers spy movie. 

 

Russia does not make bad deals for Russia.