PM responds as the US Refuses to Sell F-35A Fighter Jets to the Thai Air Force

[webfact]

 

OPINION

 

In a press conference held on May 24, 2023, at Don Mueang Military Airport in Bangkok, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also serves as Thailand's Minister of Defense, addressed the issue surrounding the United States' decision to deny the sale of F-35A fighter jets to the Thai Air Force. The prime minister's remarks shed light on the country's stance and raised questions about the future of Thai-American defense cooperation.

 

During the conference, General Prayut was asked about the United States' refusal to sell the advanced F-35A aircraft to Thailand, which has been seeking to enhance its air force capabilities. In response, the prime minister expressed his perspective on the matter, stating, "Why is that so? If they don't sell, we won't buy. It's a normal matter of communication for trade. If a country is selling, we contact them; if they're not selling, we won't buy. So, what else can we do?"

 

When pressed for further details on the reasons behind the denial, General Prayut indicated that he had not been informed of any specific explanations. He suggested that the Thai Air Force would likely provide its own clarification regarding the situation.

 

The denial of the F-35A sale raises significant questions about the future of Thailand's military modernization plans and its relationship with the United States, a long-standing ally and defense partner. The Thai Air Force had been keen on acquiring the advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to bolster its defense capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the region.

 

Credit: Wikipedia

 

The F-35A, produced by American defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and versatility in air combat. Its advanced features include stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and state-of-the-art avionics systems, making it a highly sought-after aircraft by nations looking to strengthen their air power.

 

Thailand's interest in the F-35A was part of a broader effort to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense posture. The denial of the sale casts uncertainty over the country's future defense plans and raises questions about potential alternative options to meet its strategic objectives.

 

The Thai government's response to the US decision highlights the country's commitment to pursuing defense partnerships and acquiring necessary military assets through established diplomatic channels. Prime Minister Prayut's comments suggest that Thailand will explore other avenues to strengthen its defense capabilities should the US maintain its stance on the F-35A sale.

 

As the Thai Air Force potentially provides its own explanation for the denial, observers will closely monitor the development of defense cooperation between Thailand and other nations. The outcome of this situation will not only shape Thailand's defense strategy but also have broader implications for regional security dynamics in Southeast Asia.

 

In the coming weeks, Thailand's defense officials are expected to engage in further discussions with various countries to explore alternative options for acquiring advanced fighter aircraft. As the situation unfolds, both the Thai government and defense analysts will closely assess the potential impact of the US decision and the steps needed to ensure Thailand's security interests are met.

 

With the Thai Air Force keen on acquiring modern fighter jets to enhance its operational capabilities, the denial of the F-35A sale underscores the challenges nations face in procuring advanced military equipment. It highlights the intricate dynamics of international defense trade and the complex considerations involved in such transactions.

 

As Thailand seeks to secure its long-term defense requirements, it remains to be seen how the country will navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape and forge new partnerships to meet its military aspirations. The resolution of this issue will shape the future of Thailand's air force capabilities and provide insights into the evolving dynamics of regional defense cooperation.

 

Agencies and Thai media Thai Rath contributed to this report

Top Picture: Thai Rath

 

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[jonclark]

Thailand has always walked a diplomatic tight rope balancing historical alliances with Chinese influence.  That balancing act has become more difficult with Chinese expansionism and Thailand reliance on China for tourists, funding of infrastructure projects and closer co operation. Eventually everyone slips on a tightrope.

 

[Andycoops]

They've already got the Gripen, which is more than capable for Thai defence requirements.

With the infrastructure in place to support it the best solution would be to buy more and the enhanced version being built for Brazil.

[bdenner]

At least common sense prevails on one side of the globe! What did the Thai Military think the outcome was going to be? After the Germans refused to power their proposed Chinese submarines.

[daveAustin]

Typical response from a very poor ‘leader’ with an agenda. Get your nose out of China’s ass,ets and you might be considered grown up enough to have them. At the moment, it is too risky that you’d pass on the tech or simply lose one, plus you don’t really need them. To what end?

[2baht]

5 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

plus you don’t really need them. To what end?

Commission Dave, commission!

[CartagenaWarlock]

Be like India. Never give a damn to any Western Countries. They will come to you crawling because they need you to sell their products and for their need for human resources. But alas, the Western countries don't depend on minuscule Thailand's population and severe lack of highly technical resources unlike India. 

[Dcheech]

46 minutes ago, webfact said:

"Why is that so? If they don't sell, we won't buy. It's a normal matter of communication for trade. If a country is selling, we contact them; if they're not selling, we won't buy. So, what else can we do?"

They have to play the 'stalking horse' game to the very end, even though the recent election sent them out with a kick to the behind. Celestial leader Xi will be happy they continue to play the part.

[ezzra]

Not wanting to belittling Thai pilots here but isn't the F-35 too much of a sophisticated machine to handle while costing billions and Thailand not having any enemies to speak of?

[quake]

34 minutes ago, bdenner said:

At least common sense prevails on one side of the globe! What did the Thai Military think the outcome was going to be? After the Germans refused to power their proposed Chinese submarines.

And we all know they would have stuck them in the dirt,  after a few flights. 

 

[herfiehandbag]

16 minutes ago, Dcheech said:

They have to play the 'stalking horse' game to the very end, even though the recent election sent them out with a kick to the behind. Celestial leader Xi will be happy they continue to play the part.

It does raise the question of why the outgoing (?) "caretaker" government is even bothering to consider the future procurement of aircraft!

[jacko45k]

Just now, herfiehandbag said:

It does raise the question of why the outgoing (?) "caretaker" government is even bothering to consider the future procurement of aircraft!

Clearing out his INbox?

[mikebell]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The F-35A, produced by American defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, superior performance,

but useless against students.

[Lacessit]

32 minutes ago, CartagenaWarlock said:

Be like India. Never give a damn to any Western Countries. They will come to you crawling because they need you to sell their products and for their need for human resources. But alas, the Western countries don't depend on minuscule Thailand's population and severe lack of highly technical resources unlike India. 

India is now looking at all its weaponry acquired from Russia, and wondering what is going to happen if push comes to shove with the Chinese on Himalayan borders.

After seeing what has happened to Russian tanks and aircraft in Ukraine, they are probably regretting their choice.

[quake]

18 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

It does raise the question of why the outgoing (?) "caretaker" government is even bothering to consider the future procurement of aircraft!

what's the rumbling I can hear in the distance.

sounds like caterpillar tracks. 

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

5 minutes ago, quake said:

what's the rumbling I can hear in the distance.

sounds like caterpillar tracks. 

 

 

The Vatican announces the selection of a new leader (Pope) with white smoke over Saint Peter's basilica.

 

Thailand announces the selection of a new leader with diesel smoke over the tank parks of the Bangkok barracks!

[bkk6060]

It is probably all about the advanced technology, and the fact the US does not want it compromised to China or anyone else.

[cdemundo]

39 minutes ago, quake said:

And we all know they would have stuck them in the dirt,  after a few flights. 

 

I don't really follow military aviation; does the Thai Air Force have a history of crashes?

More than other countries?  Not trying to be argumentative just curious.

[cdemundo]

15 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

The Vatican announces the selection of a new leader (Pope) with white smoke over Saint Peter's basilica.

 

Thailand announces the selection of a new leader with diesel smoke over the tank parks of the Bangkok barracks!

Brings up a question, does the Vatican Air Force have the F-35A?

[quake]

1 minute ago, cdemundo said:

I don't really follow military aviation; does the Thai Air Force have a history of crashes?

More than other countries?  Not trying to be argumentative just curious.

No more than any other third world country I think.

It was more of a joke. and a poke at the Thai military. 

[StayinThailand2much]

59 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Not wanting to belittling Thai pilots here but isn't the F-35 too much of a sophisticated machine to handle while costing billions and Thailand not having any enemies to speak of?

Yes, and what is 'wrong' with F-16s anyway? If they are good enough for the USAF to be used until 2040 or so, why not for Thailand? Perhaps, with the money saved from the difference in price they could buy some more submarines...

[watchcat]

59 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

It does raise the question of why the outgoing (?) "caretaker" government is even bothering to consider the future procurement of aircraft!

I'll guess he has a plan (the word starts with the letter "C")

[Dcheech]

1 hour ago, herfiehandbag said:

It does raise the question of why the outgoing (?) "caretaker" government is even bothering to consider the future procurement of aircraft!

The stalking horse game. Thai leaders, wanted the USA to say NO, publicly. Then they can tell the Thai people, the US is not a TRUE ally. Make a public hissy fit, with the Celestial Empire as the winner & true friend. That is the reason the US refused to answer them for so long. It is also why they sent a military attache to talk to the Thai government a year or six months back. The general gist of what the attache said was  'we have been friends for how many decades, so why are you trying to put us on the spot and play a game' Still Thailand kept at it. Celestial leader XI has the push. 

How many planes were they going to buy anyway?! Bloody joke. Just a stunt, but it does lose much of its punch as the election results are booting them out unless they have another, oops, cannot say that C word. Still they had to make a public squawk about it. Got to play the game.  

[rabas]

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

Not wanting to belittling Thai pilots here but isn't the F-35 too much of a sophisticated machine to handle while costing billions and Thailand not having any enemies to speak of?

Exact reason the US did not agree to the proposed purchase.

 

BANGKOK – The United States (US) has rejected the request Thailand for the procurement stealth fighter jet F-35 sophisticated. The reason is that the Southeast Asian country is not ready in terms of infrastructure facilities to accommodate the fifth generation fighter jet.  ref

 

[sqwakvfr]

Pursuing the F-35 for the RTAF was a foolish move from the start.  A better choice would have been the KA-50 from S. Korea.  It costs under 30 million dollars and Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have purchase the KA-50:

 

[seajae]

the answer is simple, as soon as they would get them they would invite china to come and go through them to steal any of the "secrets" used to build them, china would probably be the ones paying for them in the first place and Thailand would just be a front for china their masters. Have to wonder why the pm said it is up to the new govt if they buy the subs but is whinging about the F35's, shows where his loyalties lie and its not with Thailand

[Smokey and the Bandit]

The reason the USA did not allow this sale is because:

"Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and versatility in air combat. Its advanced features include stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and state-of-the-art avionics systems,"

 

 

[Moonlover]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

When pressed for further details on the reasons behind the denial, General Prayut indicated that he had not been informed of any specific explanations.

Doesn't the PM read the news? It has already been exolained why the US won't sell them F35s.

 

 

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, rabas said:

Exact reason the US did not agree to the proposed purchase.

 

BANGKOK – The United States (US) has rejected the request Thailand for the procurement stealth fighter jet F-35 sophisticated. The reason is that the Southeast Asian country is not ready in terms of infrastructure facilities to accommodate the fifth generation fighter jet.  ref

 

That was the diplomatic reason. 

[Can samui]

Buying two f-35’s is ridiculous. The infrastructure is massive and expensive…for two planes.

Does not make economic sense. They have been offered the f-16 which is a far more useful aircraft for Thailand needs and does not contain anything that the Chinese could benefit from.