Thailand’s cabinet yesterday (Tuesday) endorsed the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) plan to buy four fighter jets, at an estimated cost of 13.8 billion baht, to replace its fleet of aging F-16 Falcon jets, which have been in service for about four decades.

 

The spending will be spread over the next four fiscal years.

 

Air Vice Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, the RTAF spokesman, said today (Wednesday) that the air force has not yet specified the type of aircraft to be purchased.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cabinet-approves-air-forces-planned-purchase-of-4-fighter-jets/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-12

 

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Great time to be spending big bucks on a country that doesn’t need defending. 

Should be ready to shoot down the next wave of covid is the masterplan ????

Lunacy.

https://uk.airfix.com/shop/aircraft/military-aircraft?encoded=JYzLCsIwEEX_JhsRWt3oYhA_QHBfyjDm5WBswmQK5u9NdXvuueeSaIl30icQS-DPfn2ZwEm91OlNiyPN0vBP8NHmqUh2q1W0pD72bYYbJ1aStruyWKGgplD0yA7Oh9HULNqPcDLibRZXsfTSZsBx-JkwfgE 

So the cabinet approved 12.8 Billion Baht , for 4 Fighter Aircraft,

that they have no idea which ones or the actual cost, talk about

rubber stamping, 

regards worgordie

Their only aircraft carrier they have is short takeoff, and is moored at the dock in Sattahip, but has no aircraft. They used Harriers, until they became obsolete.

 

I hope they at least choose vertical takeoff jets, as they sure would look nice sitting there on the deck. 

 

Perhaps these jets may be of use in the defence of their neighbours like Taiwan, from Chinese invasion and continued aggression in the South China Sea.

These overly entitled, over funded goons somehow think this is the right time to be spending $400 million on new jets. Shows you where their heads are at. If anyone had their doubts about their lack of sincerity before, what more do you need now? 

 

After all, it would be hard to make a case for neighboring threats. Other than China. And there is no defending against China, if and when they decide to fulfill their expansionist dreams. At least not with 4 new jets and one low quality, grossly over priced submarine. 

1 hour ago, Gold Star said:

Their only aircraft carrier they have is short takeoff, and is moored at the dock in Sattahip, but has no aircraft. They used Harriers, until they became obsolete.

 

I hope they at least choose vertical takeoff jets, as they sure would look nice sitting there on the deck. 

 

Perhaps these jets may be of use in the defence of their neighbours like Taiwan, from Chinese invasion and continued aggression in the South China Sea.

Harriers are still in use by the Spanish, Italians and the US Marine Corps. 

 

The Thais got nine Matadors (Mk1 Harriers) refurbished from the Spanish, and within 2 years there was only one left operational.

Couldn't imagine a better way to spend this money right now ????

Absolutely ridiculous..... 

Toys for the boys.... 

But not prepared to spend money to help all the failed business due to the pandemic and lack of tourist, 

My thought is because its still a Military run Government they are spending as much money on hardware before they are elected out.... 

As Thailand has repeatedly demonstrated, it doesn't need fighter jets to stage a coup.  Since that's the only significant activity of the Thai military, why waste the money?

6 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Great time to be spending big bucks on a country that doesn’t need defending. 

But it needs food

YAAAYYY... 4 new fighter jets to salute the BIG BOSSssss......in the formation of Sawadee Khap....

Maybe these high profile military purchases - submarines, aircraft carriers - are something to do with maintaining ranking in the Global Firepower Index, which is based on paper strength over a variety of categories. This would explain why the rationale behind these decisions, even from a purely "operational need" point of view, and ignoring other factors, leaves some of us scratching our heads.

Thailand looking after the people again in these troubled times.

Way to go boys. 

As someone that used to wargame and roleplay with stuff , I see similarities of Thai military purchases and wargaming products. Anyone that ever wargamed or roleplayed would know you buy absolutely tons of stuff you dont need, use , or paint. It just sits their. Thai military are just the same as I was in a game shop years ago, just gotta have it, just wont ever use it

I have the pleasure to offer without engagement 4 pcs 2nd hands F-104 Starfighter in good condition without warheads.

Offers can be made on this blog, not below US $ 10million each.

That should do it for Thailand

Four planes with Thai pilots wont survive Song Kran.

Good.   Not sure why they wanted more submarines so badly over jets.

Here we go again. Billions for military equipment that will never be needed or used.  Why not another aircraft carrier, or 10 submarines!  Meanwhile standard of living for majority of citizens remains stagnant and lacking.  And the country has to beg for vaccines donated from other countries.  This Gov't is pathetic.

This could be the answer to all of Thailands problems if one of their Top Guns gets his hands on one of these lemons. ????

11 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Great time to be spending big bucks on a country that doesn’t need defending. 

But they need something to look good in the background on the parade ground when they all wear whites & wings.

10 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

These overly entitled, over funded goons somehow think this is the right time to be spending $400 million on new jets. Shows you where their heads are at. If anyone had their doubts about their lack of sincerity before, what more do you need now? 

 

After all, it would be hard to make a case for neighboring threats. Other than China. And there is no defending against China, if and when they decide to fulfill their expansionist dreams. At least not with 4 new jets and one low quality, grossly over priced submarine. 

do not FORGET the SPACE plan !!!!!

are they not going to go to the MOON ??????!!!!

12 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Great time to be spending big bucks on a country that doesn’t need defending. 

Never mind the "doesn’t need defending", Do you really think the Thai military could actually handle any war professionally and effectively given the level of competence ex Generals show once they retire from the force and adopt politics as their next little earner ?

8 hours ago, BKKTRAVELER said:

Couldn't imagine a better way to spend this money right now ????

11 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

Lunacy.

there are pensioners here who receive a pittance....

if over 60 they get 600 baht per month....if over 70 they get 700 per month, SO I HAVE BEEN TOLD

10 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

These overly entitled, over funded goons somehow think this is the right time to be spending $400 million on new jets. Shows you where their heads are at. If anyone had their doubts about their lack of sincerity before, what more do you need now? 

 

After all, it would be hard to make a case for neighboring threats. Other than China. And there is no defending against China, if and when they decide to fulfill their expansionist dreams. At least not with 4 new jets and one low quality, grossly over priced submarine. 

do not FORGET the SPACE plan !!!!!

are they not going to go to the MOON ??????!!!!

I'm sure General Prayut will be 'satisfied' with this purchase.

 

Bringing more happiness to the people. He is the gift that keeps on giving.

13 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

Lunacy.

there are pensioners here who receive a pittance....
if over 60 they get 600 baht per month....if over 70 they get 700 per month, SO I HAVE BEEN TOLD

9 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

Harriers are still in use by the Spanish, Italians and the US Marine Corps. 

 

The Thais got nine Matadors (Mk1 Harriers) refurbished from the Spanish, and within 2 years there was only one left operational.

When my son was deploying to Iraq in the Marine Corps, we talked with a Marine veteran lady.  She said she had an old Army surplus desk at work that only had 3 legs.  Adapt and overcome.  ????